Planting Trees

Planting a tree correctly can make a world of difference in how well it does in your landscape.

First, choose a site where your tree will thrive. Then dig a hole at least one-and-a-half times the diameter of the root ball and no deeper. Place the tree in it, ensuring that the roots in the top of the root ball are one to two inches above the surrounding soil.

As you replace the soil around the tree, pack it firmly with your foot to stabilize the tree. Water the tree heavily after planting to remove large air pockets.

Apply mulch starting at the edge of the root ball and extending outwards, and water the root ball two to three times each week for the first year.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Landscape Plants: Planting Trees in Landscapes
• Proper Tree Planting
• Q&A: How long does it take for a newly planted tree or shrub to become established?
• Trees and Hurricanes: Planting and Establishing Trees

UF/IFAS Publications

• Site Evaluation Form for Selecting the Right Tree for Your Planting Site
• Specifications for Planting Trees and Shrubs in the Southeastern U.S.

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Arbor Day
• Circling Roots on Trees
• Living Christmas Trees
• Planting Palms
• Planting Shrubs and Other Woody Plants
• Transplanting Trees
• Trees and Power Lines
• Watering Newly Planted Trees

Other Sites

• How to Plant a Tree--USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• How to Plant Trees Video--Arbor Day Foundation
• New Tree Planting--Trees Are Good
• Planting and Transplanting Trees and Shrubs--University of Minnesota Extension
• Planting Trees Correctly--Clemson (SC) Extension
• Planting Trees for Energy Conservation--Utah State University Forestry Extension
• Planting Trees in Your Landscape--Virginia Cooperative Extension