How to Plant Your New Trees
How to Plant a Tree: 9 Easy Steps for Success
Plant your tree correctly to help it develop strong roots and thrive for years. Follow these nine easy steps from Natorp’s Nursery to plant your tree successfully.
Before You Dig: Call 811!
Call 811 before digging to have underground utility lines marked. It’s the law and helps protect you and your property.
1. Dig the Hole
Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. A wide hole gives roots room to grow into the surrounding soil.
2. Prepare the Soil
In most cases, use the soil you removed from the hole to fill around the tree. If your soil needs improvement, ask a Natorp’s plant expert which soil amendment fits your conditions.
Avoid filling the planting hole with a different soil mixture than the surrounding ground, as this can affect drainage and root growth.
3. Loosen the Roots
For container-grown trees, gently loosen the roots before planting.
- Use your fingers to separate tangled roots.
- If roots are tightly circling the root ball, carefully cut into the outer roots with clean pruners or a soil knife.
- Gently spread the loosened roots outward.
Don’t skip this step! Loosening circling roots encourages them to grow into the surrounding soil.
4. Plant the Tree
- Place the tree in the center of the hole.
- Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground or slightly above it. Never plant a tree too deep.
- For trees wrapped in burlap and wire, remove the top portion of the wire basket and burlap after positioning the tree, when accessible. Cut away burlap from the sides without disturbing the root ball.
- Fill the space around the root ball with the original soil. Gently firm the soil to remove large air pockets.
- Keep soil away from the trunk and do not cover the root flare, where the trunk begins to widen into the roots.
5. Apply a Root Stimulant (Optional)
You may use a root stimulant or plant starter after planting. Follow the product label for application instructions and frequency.
6. Add Mulch
Spread 2–3 inches of mulch over the planting area to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk. Never pile mulch against the tree.
7. Water Thoroughly
Water the tree immediately after planting, slowly soaking the root ball and surrounding soil. Water again the next day.
Continue watering regularly as the tree establishes its roots. Check the soil and adjust watering based on rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions. Keep the root ball moist but not waterlogged.
Read our Tree Watering Guide for more tips.
8. Stake the Tree if Needed
Most properly planted trees do not need staking. Staking may be necessary if the tree is unstable or planted in a very windy location.
Use appropriate stakes and flexible ties that allow some trunk movement. Check them regularly and remove them as soon as the tree is stable, generally within one year.
9. Protect Your Tree from Deer
If deer are common in your area, use a tree guard to protect the trunk, especially from September through mid-April.
Buck rubs can severely damage or destroy a young tree in a single visit. Check the guard regularly to ensure it fits properly and doesn’t damage the bark.
Help Your New Tree Thrive
Proper planting, consistent watering, and seasonal care give your tree the best start.
Have questions? Natorp’s Nursery is here to help!