The Complete Guide to Planting Trees

If you're looking to add some greenery to your yard, planting a tree is a great option. Not only do trees add beauty to any landscape, they also provide shade and help improve air quality. Still, planting trees can seem like a daunting task. Perhaps you've found yourself thinking, I finally seem to have a grasp on maintaining a few household plants. I should probably quit while I'm ahead.

But just like any plant or any other task in life, for that matter, the right advice can support you in getting where you want to go – or rather, grow. So whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener ready to get your gloves on something new, this blog post will walk you through the complete process of planting a tree.

From selecting the right spot to watering it properly, you can enjoy your tree for years to come by following these simple steps!

Step 1: Choose a tree to plant

When selecting a tree to plant, choosing one native to your area is important. Native trees will do better with the local climate and soil, which typically equates to less maintenance, fertilizer, and pesticides.

Before you finalize your choice, check the tree's tag for some essential information. Step 2 offers things to consider - make sure your tree seems like a good fit for your property before bringing it home.

Step 3 is your overview of the tools you'll need, so you may as well review that one too before you leave your local nursery or home improvement store!

Step 2: Decide where to plant the tree

Once you've selected a tree, the next step is to decide where to plant it. You can start by checking whether the tree needs a lot of sun or shade. You'll then want to consider how large the tree will grow and ensure there's enough room for it. How large a tree is expected to grow will determine how far away you need to plant it from landscaping, buildings, and other structures.

You'll also need to consider property lines and zoning or neighborhood regulations about what you can plant and where.

Avoid planting in low-lying areas prone to flooding or near utility lines. If you're unsure about underground utilities, call 811 before you start digging.

Step 3: Get your tools ready

Before you start digging, make sure you have all of the necessary tools on hand. This includes a shovel, hose or gardening can, utility knife, and mulch. Or if you’re planting a tree with a large, well-developed root ball, you may consider an auger. 

Step 4: Dig the hole for your tree

Now it's time to start digging! Dig your hole two times the width of the tree's root ball or container and just as deep. If you're planting more than one, make sure there's enough space between them for each to grow.

Set the soil aside to backfill once you plant your tree.

Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole, then water it entirely, as this will help the roots take hold in the ground.

Step 5: Loosen the roots

Remove the tree from its container or remove the burlap wrap from the root ball. If the tree is in a container, cut it on both sides with a utility knife.

Untangle and spread out the roots of the tree. Use your fingers to rake them apart and loosen them up as much as possible before planting. This will help encourage new, healthy root growth once it's planted.

Step 6: Plant the tree

Carefully place the tree into the hole, setting the root ball on firmly packed soil to prevent settling, and take a step back to see that it looks level. You want the root (or trunk) flare to be visible - this is where the trunk meets the roots and "flares" out. Your tree will grow faster and healthier when you give the root flare room to breathe out of the soil.

If needed, use a shovel or your hands to adjust the soil so that the tree is standing straight and tall.

Step 7: Backfill the hole with soil

Now it's time to backfill the hole! Use the soil that you removed earlier, lightly packing it down around the tree as you go to avoid air pockets. Once halfway full, water the soil well before adding the rest.

Step 8: Add a layer of mulch

Once your tree is planted, add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and protect the roots. The recommended depth for mulch is two to four inches, but two should be enough at the tree base for good coverage. Once the mulch is down, rake some away from the tree's trunk as the mulch shouldn't touch it.

Step 9: Water the tree

Water the tree thoroughly at least once a week for the first few months after planting. Note that it can take up to a year until a tree is fully established.

Using a garden hose with a sprinkler attachment or a watering can, you can water by hand. Or you can incorporate a drip irrigation system. Just be sure to water deeply, getting the soil wet down to the roots.

Step 10: Aftercare

In terms of fertilizer, you shouldn't need to do this for the first two to three years. If you decide your tree could use some nutrients for growth, a natural supplement or organic mulch can act as a slow-release fertilizer.

As your tree grows, know that it may need pruning or trimming at some point to keep it safe, healthy, and beautiful. But let your tree grow a strong root structure for at least one full season before doing any corrective pruning of offshoots (i.e. if your tree starts to look more like a shrub).

If any branches were damaged while planting or have started growing in the wrong direction toward structures or utility wires, go ahead and remove them.

Otherwise, there isn't much you need to do right away but keep an eye on your tree and look out for insect or disease problems. And while you want to ensure the soil isn't settling, you do need to give your newly planted tree time to settle into its new environment so it can flourish!