Tree Planting Tips

Trees beautify and add value to your property, provide shade and windbreaks for your home and clean the air. With some forethought and planning, you can achieve the right combination for an appealing landscape with trees and gain valuable protection from the elements. Trees do not need to be expensive if you buy them as bare root plants. Learn some important tips for planting trees.

• It is best to plant trees in the early spring or late fall. This is the dormant season for trees, which means they are not working on growing their roots, new growth or leaves. Planting a tree during its live season puts too much stress on it.


• Learn which trees grow best in your growing zone. You can plant evergreen, flowering, fruiting and shade trees, but they must be suitable for your hardiness zone. To find out which trees are appropriate for your area, locate a hardiness zone map or talk to your garden center representative. They can guide you in deciding what to grow, too, along with your county extension agency. 


• Learn about tree shapes, as they can vary. Some trees will grow tall and provide a wide canopy, while others stay relatively narrow in their growth pattern. Plant trees that grow into a wide canopy closest to your home since they can provide the appropriate shade. Trees that are short at their full height are planted ahead of the taller ones so that they will have full sunlight and will not be shaded by the tall ones. Remember that evergreens do not lose their foliage, and you want to allow sunlight in during the winter unless you want shade year-round. In that case, choose evergreens appropriate for you hardiness zone.


• For a windbreak, plant trees that have a lower growth of foliage on the trunk, such as Lombardy Poplar. Their growth is similar to a column. When planted side-by-side, they create a living, tall hedge that work great to block cold winter winds. Plant them farther from the home on the side that gets prevailing winds.


• Trees can be purchased bare root, burlaped or in a container. Keep bare root trees in water for at least three hours before planting and protect the roots from wind and sun until planted. Dig a hole bigger than the roots or root ball and loosen the soil well. Spread the roots and cover them, water well and add a few inches of mulch.