How to Plant a Tree: When to Plant a Tree and What to Consider for Planting a Tree

The secret to planting trees successfully is knowing when and how to do so. Let’s examine when is the best time to plant trees and how to do it properly. For advice on planting trees, continue reading. Usually, trees are offered for sale as bare roots, in burlap sacks, or in containers. This is something to keep in mind when planting them.

• Before planting, trees in containers should be carefully taken out and examined. Gently spread the roots apart and make sure they are not rootbound.
• Before planting, burlap-wrapped trees should have their burlap carefully removed, the roots gently separated, and the burlap completely removed.
• Unlike trees with burlap or containers, bare root trees have no soil around their roots.

Guidelines for Planting Trees

It is not necessary to plant trees deeply. Holes should be somewhat shallower and typically two or three times wider than the root ball. To aid in the tree’s roots’ ability to sift through the ground, it’s also a good idea to add some texture to the hole’s bottom and sides. Before backfilling with soil, place the tree in the hole and take a step back to make sure it is not leaning. Make a mound of soil in the middle of the hole; bare root trees need assistance to stay upright. Place the tree on top gently, letting its roots dangle. Compost or well-rotted manure can be added to the soil to improve its workability and provide a healthy dose of fertilizer for the tree. Only the top of the tree’s roots should be filled in. Tree roots should never be visible since they will soon dry up. It will get harder for water to get to the roots if you tamp down too firmly. Instead, tamp gently as you go. If required, you might need to temporarily stake the tree to ensure that its roots take hold. After giving the tree a thorough watering, add 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of mulch, making sure to keep the mulch a few inches (5 cm) away from the trunk all around.

The Ideal Time to Plant Trees

The best time of year to plant trees depends largely on the climate, as seasonal weather patterns often dictate when is the best time to plant. Trees require enough time to root, no matter where they are planted, especially in regions with hot, dry summers. For this reason, planting trees is best done in the fall in most places. The ideal time of year to plant trees, however, may occasionally depend on the type of tree.

Guidelines for Sowing Tree Seedlings

Remember that planting instructions for tree seedlings differ from those for mature trees in that the former should be handled differently. Unlike with seedlings, there is never a bad time to plant trees. Only when trees are dormant—generally between December and March—should tree seedlings be planted. Verify that the roots are moist and fibrous. Just enough room should be left in the hole for the roots. With the roots pointing straight down, secure in place and backfill with soil up to the root collar. To avoid air pockets forming, gently tamp. Mulch and water.