What Is the Proper Way to Plant a New Tree?
Planting a new tree might seem simple at first. You dig a hole, drop in the tree, cover it with soil, and water it, right? Well, not quite. A lot more goes into giving a tree the best chance to grow strong and healthy. If you want your tree to thrive for years, it's important to plant it the right way from the start.
Whether you’re adding shade, boosting curb appeal, or just love the look of greenery in your yard, here’s a full breakdown of how to do it properly.
Choosing the Right Tree for the Right Spot
Before you even pick up a shovel, you need to decide what kind of tree to plant and where. Not all trees are a good fit for every location. Consider the mature size of the tree—both height and spread. Planting too close to your house, power lines, or other trees can cause problems later as the tree grows.
Think about sunlight too. Some trees need full sun, while others can handle shade. Check your soil type and drainage. A tree meant for dry soil won’t be happy in a soggy spot, and vice versa.
When’s the Best Time to Plant?
In most areas, spring and fall are the best times to plant. These seasons offer cooler temperatures and more rainfall, which reduces stress on young trees. Summer heat can be tough on new roots, and frozen ground in winter makes planting difficult.
If you’re in a region with mild winters, late fall is ideal. The roots can start growing before the first frost hits.
Step-by-Step: How to Plant Your Tree
Once you’ve chosen your tree and location, it’s time to get started.
Dig the hole wide, not deep: The hole should be about two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself. A hole that’s too deep will cause the tree to sink as the soil settles, which can stress the trunk and roots.
Inspect the roots: If the roots are wrapped tightly or circling the root ball, gently loosen them. This helps them grow outward instead of continuing to circle, which can eventually choke the tree.
Place the tree carefully: Set the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground. Straighten it from all angles before adding soil.
Backfill with native soil: There’s no need for fancy planting mixes. Use the same soil you dug up, breaking up clumps and removing rocks. This helps the roots adjust to their natural environment.
Tamp down lightly and water: As you fill the hole, gently tamp the soil to remove air pockets. Give the tree a slow, deep watering when you’re done to help settle the soil.
Add mulch, not volcanoes: Spread 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the base, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture and protects roots from temperature changes.
Staking and Watering Tips
Most young trees don’t need to be staked unless they’re in a very windy area or have a weak trunk. If you do stake it, be sure to remove the stakes after the first year to avoid harming the tree.
For watering, the goal is to keep the soil consistently moist—not soggy—for the first year. A slow, deep watering once or twice a week usually does the trick. Pay extra attention during hot or dry spells.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
A few common planting errors can set your tree up for failure:
Planting too deep or too shallow
Overwatering or underwatering
Leaving the burlap or wire basket on (always remove them)
Using too much mulch around the trunk
Not considering mature size when choosing a location
These may seem like small things, but they can lead to long-term health issues for your tree.
Watching It Grow
Once your tree is in the ground and properly watered, you’re on the right path. Most trees only need a little ongoing care like regular watering, light pruning, and a bit of patience. Before long, you’ll start to see the benefits — whether that’s shade, fresh fruit, or a boost in curb appeal.
At Sawvell Tree Service, we help you every step of the way, from picking the right tree for your space to planting it correctly and making sure it has the best start possible. If you want your tree to grow strong and healthy, we’re here to make it happen.