How to Plant a Tree

Learn how to plant tree seedlings and balled and burlapped trees.

Planting a tree correctly involves more than quickly purchasing a tree, digging a hole barely big enough for that tree and walking away. To ensure that a newly planted tree will have a long, healthy life, there are several factors to consider.

One very important thing to think about when planting is the time of year. People often think about planting trees in the spring and summer months when trees are in flower, full of fruit or are covered with beautiful leaves. However, the ideal time to plant is during the tree's dormant season, after leaf drop in the fall and before bud-break in the spring. This time period is the least stressful to the tree because it is not actively trying to grow.

Before purchasing the tree, there is homework to do. One of the most important things to do is to thoroughly research the tree species before the purchase and planting. The end goal is to plant the right tree in the right place. To ensure this, consider the following:

Environmental Factors:

Research how your species will handle the following factors on your potential site: minimum temperature, moisture, soil, light, pollution and compaction.

Trees Purpose:
Why are you planting this tree? Consider your goal and find the species that suit your purpose best. Such purposes include specimen planting, shade, aesthetics, wildlife and windbreaks and screens.

Size:
The potential height and width of your tree is one of the most important factors to consider. All too often, urban trees are cut down because "The tree got too big!" The truth is the tree didn't get too big, it was planted in the wrong place. Large trees can lift sidewalks, grow into pipes or utility lines, block windows, views and solar panels and shade a garden.

Crown Shape:
What form will your tree have? What shape suits you best?

Now that you have thoroughly researched your tree species, it is time to plant the tree correctly. Why is this important? A good planting job will minimize trauma and transplant shock, which could result in slow growth and reduced vigor.

Planting a Containerized or Balled and Burlapped Tree
The following steps should be used when planting a containerized or balled and burlapped tree:

This is an image the proper way to plant a balled and burlapped tree.

Shallow, broad planting hole: The hole should be dug to the depth of the root ball, and three to five times the diameter of the ball. Place the tree into the hole by holding the ball, not the trunk.

Position the tree: Balance the tree, making sure that it is straight and at the correct height (tree should be planted at the same depth that it was growing in the nursery).

Remove materials: Remove the top portion of wire basket or peel back the top portion of the natural burlap. If there is any plastic string or plastic burlap, remove now or your tree will die.

Fill hole: Fill the hole with about one-third of the soil that you dug to make the hole and gently pack around the root ball. Continue to fill the rest of the hole, while adding water to remove air pockets. Do not add fertilizer for the first year.

Prune: At this time, prune only dead or injured branches. Do not use tree wound paint.

Tree Wrap: Remove any tree wrap that was used for shipping the tree.

Staking: Properly placed and planted trees rarely need to be staked. If staking is necessary, make absolutely certain that the stakes are removed at the end of the first year.

Mulch: Place a 3 inch to 4 inch layer of mulch in a 3 foot to 4 foot diameter circle under the crown of the tree. Pull mulch away from tree trunk so that heat and moisture are not trapped.

Watering: Make sure that the newly planted tree gets a total of one inch of water (either from rain or your garden hose) every week the first year, one inch every two weeks the second year and one inch of water every three weeks the third year.

Planting a Bare Root Seedling
The following steps should be followed if you are planting a bare root seedling:

It is best to plant bare root trees immediately, in order to keep the fragile roots from drying out. If you can't plant because of weather or soil conditions, store the trees in a cool place and keep the roots moist.

Unpack tree and soak in water three to six hours. Do not plant with packing materials attached to roots, and do not allow roots to dry out.

This image shows the first step in planting a bare root seedling.

Dig a hole, wider than necessary, so the roots can spread without crowding. Remove any grass within a 3-foot circular area. To aid root growth, turn soil in an area up to 3 feet in diameter.

This image shows the second step in planting a bare root seedling.

Plant the tree at the same depth it stood in the nursery, without crowding the roots. Partially fill the hole, firming the soil around the lower roots. Do not add soil amendments (fertilizers).

This image shows step three for planting a bare root seedling.

Shovel in the remaining soil. It should be firmly, but not tightly, packed with your heel. Construct a water-holding basin around the tree. Give the tree plenty of water.

This image shows step four for planting a bare root seedling.

After the water has soaked in, place a 2-inch-deep protective mulch area 3 feet in diameter around the base of the tree (but not touching the trunk).

This image shows step five for planting a bare root seedling.

Water the tree generously every week or 10 days during the first year.

This image shows step six for planting a bare root seedling.

For a printable version of how to plant tree seedlings, please click on Planting Instructions link.

Information and images provided by the National Arbor Day Foundation.