Tree Planting Guide: How to Plant a Tree in Your Garden

Trees that are ready to be planted usually come in one of these three forms:

1. 1. Bare root trees: Bare root planting involves replanting trees that contain no soil around their roots, thus the name “bare root.” Bare root trees are taken out of the soil when dormant, and stored in refrigerated conditions. They usually weigh less and tend to acclimate more easily to new conditions.
2. 2. Balled and burlapped trees: Balled and burlapped trees (or B&B trees) have roots that are enclosed in a ball of soil and wrapped in burlap with wire binding on the outside. B&B trees are often fully grown, and the larger size and additional soil weight makes them much heavier, which means they may require heavy equipment for moving.
3. 3. Container-grown trees: Smaller trees such as Japanese maple, ficus, and citrus fruit trees are ideal for growing in a container. These container trees may be replanted into the soil or left to grow in a container if it is large enough.

Sometimes, container trees and B&B trees that remain for a long time in too-small containers may become rootbound, which means that the roots are tangled and bunched up against the inside surface of the container. When this happens, make sure to detangle the roots before replanting.

To successfully plant a new tree from a sapling, follow these steps:

1. 1. Choose a planting site. Find a location where you can dig a wide planting hole approximately three times the width of the roots of your sapling. Ensure that other trees near the planting site have enough space to spread their branches and flourish.
2. 2. Plant the tree. Remove the burlap or twine from B&B trees and detangle any roots that may have circled. Place the tree into the soil, making sure that trunk flare (the point where the trunk widens at the top of the root ball) is aligned with the soil surface. Tamp down the top and sides of the root ball to settle the plant into the soil.
3. 3. Let the soil settle. As you fill the hole with soil around the tree’s roots, occasionally spray a bit of water over the soil to eliminate air pockets and ensure that soil is packed evenly.
4. 4. Nourish with mulch and water. Add a layer of mulch such as wood chips around the base of the tree and tree trunk. Use a drip irrigation system like a berm to saturate the tree roots and prevent runoff. Moisture is crucial for all trees, but especially for those whose root balls were wrapped in burlap or twine.

Use these tips to establish your young trees and enhance their root growth during the first year and beyond.

1. 1. Avoid planting near overhead and underground utility lines. Planting in areas with underground utilities can damage both the tree roots and the pipes, cables, and wires. Similarly, avoid planting trees where there are overhead utility lines. However, if this is the only available space, choose a small tree (rather than a large shade tree) that will grow to less than twenty-five feet at maturity.
2. 2. Refrain from fertilizing during the first year. While mulch and moisture are essential, it is not necessary to fertilize your tree during its first year of growth.
3. 3. Plant your tree in early spring. Early spring is ideal for planting. At this time, the ground is thawing and softening, making the planting process easier. In most climates, you will also have about six months before the first autumn frost sets in. Freezing temperatures can damage your new tree’s roots and zap it of vital moisture.

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