Optimal Moment for Tree Planting: Learn the Essential Steps to Ensure a Thriving Newborn Tree
Planting a tree can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to follow best practices to ensure the tree has the best chance of healthy growth. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plant a tree successfully.
When to Plant
The ideal time to plant a tree is during early spring or fall when the tree is dormant, but the soil is workable. Spring planting coincides with the end of dormancy, allowing trees to restart growth effectively [1].
Choosing Healthy Nursery Stock
Select a healthy tree with a well-formed root system, free from root girdling or circling roots. For bare-root trees, ensure roots are moist and not dried out before planting [1][5]. Container-grown trees should have visible healthy roots; roots circling the root ball should be pruned or loosened [3][5].
Digging the Hole
The planting hole should be 2 to 3 times as wide as the root ball to allow root expansion but only slightly shallower or equal in depth to the root ball height. A wide but shallow planting hole promotes better root growth and stability [2][3][4].
Planting Depth
Place the tree so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil surface. Planting too deep can suffocate roots; planting too shallow can expose roots and cause drying [2][3][4].
Planting Technique
- Remove any tags, wires, or ropes from the tree [3].
- For container trees, gently tease out roots and prune circling roots [3][5]. For bare-root, position roots straight down to avoid “J-rooting” [1].
- Plant in native soil rather than heavily amended soil inside the hole, but you may incorporate organic compost into the surrounding garden bed to improve overall soil quality [3].
- Fill the hole gently, tapping the soil to remove air pockets around roots.
Watering and Maintenance for the First Year
- Immediately water thoroughly after planting [1][5].
- Create a watering berm or “donut” of soil around the base (about 1–2 feet diameter) to direct water to roots and reduce runoff [5].
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the first growing season.
- Mulch around the base with organic mulch (2–4 inches thick) but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot [1].
- Monitor the tree for pests, disease, and signs of stress.
Optional Enhancements
- Soak bare roots for a few hours before planting, then dip in a root dip or native soil slurry to protect fine root hairs [5].
- Consider inoculating the planting hole with mycorrhizal fungi to improve water and nutrient uptake [5].
By following these steps, you give the tree the best chance to establish well and thrive in its new environment throughout the critical first year after planting [1][2][3][5].
Remember, over-staking with inappropriate materials is often unnecessary and can harm trees. Also, avoid using a strimmer near the tree as it can de-bark trees at the root collar and ultimately kill them.
With care and attention, you can help your new tree grow into a beautiful and healthy addition to your garden. Happy planting!
[1] RHS (2021) Planting Trees. [Online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=470 [Accessed 20 April 2021].
[2] Royal Horticultural Society (2021) Planting Trees: The Right Way. [Online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/guides/planting-trees-the-right-way [Accessed 20 April 2021].
[3] Woodland Trust (2021) How to Plant a Tree. [Online] Available at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/advice/how-to-plant-a-tree/ [Accessed 20 April 2021].
[4] The Tree Council (2021) Planting a Tree. [Online] Available at: https://www.treecouncil.org.uk/planting-a-tree/ [Accessed 20 April 2021].
[5] Kew Gardens (2021) How to Plant a Tree. [Online] Available at: https://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/how-to-plant-a-tree [Accessed 20 April 2021].
- Caring for your new tree can enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle by creating a beautiful, healthy addition to your outdoor space.
- To support the growth of your tree and maintain a healthy environment, ensure you follow the best watering and maintenance practices for the first year, such as regularly checking for pests, disease, and signs of stress.
- Incorporating gardening techniques, like planting the tree at the right depth and providing a suitable planting hole, will contribute to a thriving tree in your home garden.
