Use these 8 Tips to Plant Trees that Will Transform Your Space for Decades

Planting trees isn’t just about adding beauty to your yard. It’s also an investment in the future. Trees bring beauty and value to your home, provide shade, improve air quality, and boost property values. However, people often make mistakes when planting trees, such as not adequately preparing the planting site or planting a tree unsuitable for the climate, soil type, or space available, which can lead to problems for the tree down the road.

Below are eight planting tips that will help you plant trees that flourish for decades:

1. Pick the right tree—Do your research before you buy a tree. Choose a variety that will thrive in your yard. Consider the tree’s mature size, sunlight needs, soil conditions, and potential hazards like power lines before buying the tree.  

• Plant during the dormant season—Early spring or fall is the best time to plant trees in most temperate climates because the trees are dormant and less stressed by the transplanting process.

• Dig a wide, shallow hole—Size matters when it comes to holes. They should be 2-3 times wider than the tree’s root ball but only as deep as the root ball.  

• Handle the tree carefully—Avoid damaging the root ball when transporting a tree, which can stress it. Also, water the tree hole thoroughly before transplanting it.    

• Position the tree correctly—Make sure the trunk is straight before lowering the tree into the hole. You can use a stake or another person to help you with this. Also, check for root ball alignment.  

• Backfill the hole with high-quality topsoil—Fill the hole with the topsoil you set aside when digging. Add it in stages and water thoroughly after each layer, which helps settle the soil. Then tamp it down lightly.  

• Water the tree deeply—Use 2-3 gallons per inch of trunk diameter. So, a tree with a 2-inch diameter trunk would need 4-6 gallons of water. Use a slow trickle of water from a hose or a watering can with a rose attachment.

• Add mulch around the tree’s base—Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Choose organic mulches like shredded bark, wood chips, or compost, which decompose over time, add nutrients to the soil, and improve drainage.

By following the eight tips outlined above, you can avoid the common pitfalls in tree planting. This knowledge gives you the information you need to lay a strong foundation for a robust, healthy tree that transforms your space.