Planting a Tree in the Desert

first step, of course, to dig a large hole

and, of course, hardpan, or caliche was encountered, at about 2 feet...

this meant a delay while it was soaked with water and chipped away at for a couple of days until a hole about 8" in diameter penetrated it so that the tree roots could grow downwards...

then water, mulch and fertilizer was mixed with the sand in the hole up to where the bottom of the 5 gallon size tree was to be planted, and left overnight to solidify...

the tree to be planted was a Chinaberry tree (berries shown above from a more mature tree planted 4 years ago), also known as an Umbrella Tree from the shape it takes as it grows larger...

and a sturdy pole was placed a little off center and tapped firmly in from a ladder with a small sledge hammer... 

by then the setting sun was turning the mountains pink and blue...

early on this blessedly cool morning the 7' tall sapling was planted and watered and secured to its stake so that the winter winds could not pull it over while its roots grow to anchor it...

and already it was casting its promising bit of shade on the studio wall...