How to Plant a Tree

Trees are the ultimate long-term investment in your landscape, providing shade, privacy, and tangible value to your property. Planting one correctly is less about brute force and more about setting the stage for decades of growth; a tree planted at the wrong depth or in a suffocating hole will struggle to establish its root system, leading to years of stunted growth or premature decline. Done well, a new tree will show signs of vigorous growth within its first full season. The secret lies in the 'root flare'—the point where the trunk widens at the base—which must always remain visible above the soil line. Follow these steps to ensure your new tree settles into its new environment as a permanent, healthy fixture rather than a high-maintenance chore.

  1. Mark Your Spot Right. Identify a spot that matches your tree's sunlight requirements and provides enough space for its mature canopy. Clear away any turf or weeds in a three-foot diameter circle to minimize competition for nutrients.
  2. Get the Depth Perfect. Dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball, but ensure the depth remains exactly equal to the height of the root ball. Keep the sides of the hole rough and vertical to allow roots to penetrate the surrounding soil easily.
  3. Free the Roots. Carefully remove the container or cut away the wire basket and burlap. If roots are circling the ball, gently tease them outward or make light vertical cuts with a sharp knife to prevent future girdling.
  4. Set It Straight. Lower the tree into the center of the hole, ensuring it stands perfectly vertical from all angles. Double-check that the root flare is visible just above the soil surface level; burying it leads to rot.
  5. Pack It Down Gently. Fill the hole with the original native soil you removed, breaking up any large clumps. Add soil in six-inch increments, gently tamping it down as you go to ensure stability without compacting it into a brick.
  6. Soak and Seal. Slowly soak the entire root zone with a hose to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch in a circle around the tree, keeping it several inches away from the trunk itself.