How to Plant a Tree

Steps for Planting a Container Tree

1. Plan to Plant - Plant the right tree in the right place: Choose a tree that fits the site—or select a site that can accommodate the size tree you’re planting. Find out your tree’s estimated height and width at maturity, and plant accordingly. Don’t plant too close to buildings or other trees. And don’t forget to look up! Make sure to plant your tree a safe distance from overhead power­lines. Check out this helpful graphic from NES about planting the right tree in the right place. Call *811 before you dig if there is a possibility of underground utilities near your planting site.

2. Dig a Hole: The hole should be 2-4 times the width of the container and roughly the same depth as the container or root ball. The hole should have sloping sides like a saucer to allow for proper root growth. (See illustration.)

3. Prepare the Tree for Planting: Carefully remove the tree from the container keeping the soil around the roots intact. It helps to tap the outside of the container to loosen the edge. Carefully slide the tree from the container. Sometimes containerized trees become root-bound (the roots look like they're growing in a circle around the root ball). If your tree is like this, it is important to disrupt this growth pattern by cutting an X across the bottom of the root ball and making vertical slices along the sides of the root ball with a sharp knife.

4. Plant the Tree: Set the tree in the middle of the hole. Avoid planting the tree too deep. If the root collar (or root flare) sits below the top of the hole, compact some soil under the tree so that the root flare at the base of the trunk is slightly above ground level. Using some soil, secure the tree in a straight position, then fill and firmly pack the hole with the original soil, making sure there aren't any air pockets. Keep backfilling until the soil is just below the root collar.

5. Water and Mulch Your Tree: Create a water-holding basin around the hole and give the tree a good watering (~10 gallons). After the water has soaked in, spread protective mulch 2–4 inches deep in a 3-foot diameter area around the base of the tree, but not touching the trunk.

6. Final Touches: Remove any tags and labels from the tree as these will affect the tree as it grows. You may need to prune any broken or dead branches but you should avoid all other pruning until the tree is established. Your tree should not need to be staked or fertilized.

7. Water Your New Tree Regularly: Water the tree every 7 to 10 days during the first two years of life, especially during periods of drought. The soil and mulch around your trees should be kept moist but not soggy.

   Click for printable planting instructions from Arbor Day Foundation.