How to Plant Trees

Planting trees not only beautifies a yard or neighborhood, but it has a profoundly positive impact on the environment as well. While trees are often planted to fit into a landscape plan, they also can serve as memorials to loved ones and a source of food and income.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Trees
• Shovel
• Water
• Organic mulch

1. Choose a type of tree to plant. Ask for advice from your local nursery on what trees grow well in your area. Pick trees that enhance the landscape of where they will be planted.

2. Dig a hole. Your tree should be planted in a hole that is big enough to hold your tree's root ball comfortably, with enough room for more soil. Make sure that the hole is deep enough to allow for at least 4 inches of soil above the roots.

3. Remove tree from container and loosen roots. Some trees will come in pots, while others will just have a burlap bag covering the root ball. Once the tree is free of its container, loosen the root ball by gently tapping at the roots to remove some of the dirt.

4. Place the tree in the hole. Gently place the tree into the hole, holding it upright while you fill in the rest of the area with soil. Tamp down the top soil firmly with your hands or feet.

5. Water the tree thoroughly. Newly planted trees need to be watered every week for the first year. After the first year you can water more sparingly.

6. Cover with organic mulch. Use organic mulch, such as wood chips, to cover 3 inches deep in a 1-foot radius around the tree. This will help to hold moisture in and protect the tree roots.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have well-draining soil, you can plant trees in raised beds using decorative wood framing.
• If your newly planted tree requires more support to keep it upright, use a pair of 1-inch dowels or stakes placed parallel to the tree on either side. Tie your tree to the posts or stakes using gardening twine.
• Some trees grow a lot larger than you might realize. Consult with a nursery employee or the Arbor Foundation for specific space requirements in which to plant certain trees.