Planting a young tree is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your landscape—and for the planet. With the right planting method and ongoing care, your tree will grow healthy and strong, providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefits for decades. This guide walks you through every step, from site selection to the first year of care.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need
- Young tree (bare-root, container-grown, or balled-and-burlapped)
- Shovel or digging spade
- Garden gloves
- Burlap or tree wrap (if using balled-and-burlapped)
- Mulch (wood chips or shredded bark)
- Water source (hose or watering can)
- Staking materials (stakes and tree ties)
- Slow-release, balanced fertilizer (optional)
- Pruning shears (for training only)
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
- Sunlight: Most young trees need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Check the species requirements.
- Space: Ensure the mature height and spread will fit without interfering with structures, power lines, or other trees.
- Soil Drainage: Avoid low spots that stay soggy. Dig a test hole and fill with water—if it drains within 24 hours, it’s suitable.
- Proximity to Utilities: Call 811 or your local service line locator before digging.
Step 2: Prepare the Planting Hole
- Dig a hole 2–3 times as wide as the root ball, but no deeper than its height.
- Break up the sides of the hole with your shovel to allow roots to penetrate easily.
- Pile any extra soil nearby; you’ll use it to backfill.
Step 3: Planting the Tree
- Remove the Container or Burlap: Gently ease the tree out of its pot. If it’s bound in burlap, cut and remove all synthetic materials.
- Position the Tree: Place it so that the root flare (where roots spread at the base) sits slightly above ground level.
- Straighten & Center: Stand back and ensure the trunk is vertical from multiple angles.
- Backfill: Add soil in layers, gently tamping to eliminate large air pockets. Do not pack too firmly.
Step 4: Watering & Mulching
- Initial Deep Water: Soak the root zone thoroughly right after planting.
- Mulch Layer: Spread a 2–3″ layer of organic mulch around the base, extending 2–3 feet in diameter. Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Regular Watering: For the first 12 months, water weekly with 5–10 gallons, more often in drought. Check soil moisture 2–3″ down—if dry, it’s time to water.
Step 5: Staking (If Needed)
- Only stake trees taller than 6’ or in very windy areas.
- Drive stakes outside the root zone. Use soft ties in a figure-8 around the trunk, allowing slight movement to encourage strength.
- Remove stakes after one growing season to prevent trunk damage.
Step 6: Pruning & Early Training
- First Year: Remove only broken, dead, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning.
- Formative Pruning: In dormant season Year 2 or 3, shape a strong central leader and balanced scaffold branches.
Step 7: Ongoing Care & Monitoring
- Inspect Quarterly: Look for pests, disease, or mechanical damage.
- Fertilizing (Optional): Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring (follow label rates).
- Weed Control: Keep the mulch ring free of grass and weeds to reduce competition.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Wilting Leaves: Check for under- or over-watering.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could be nutrient deficiency or waterlogged soil.
- Pest Damage: Identify insects and treat with horticultural oil or targeted insecticide as needed.
Enjoy Your Growing Landscape!
With these steps, your young trees will get off to a strong start. Be patient—trees invest in root growth before they put on rapid top growth. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving, leafy addition to your yard.
