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  • Writer's pictureRussell Fey

A Tree Planting Guide For Beginners


Planting a Tree

Your landscape is one of the most beautiful parts of your property. Your trees are one vital aspect of your landscape that adds majesty and splendor to your whole property.


Planting trees on your property is making an investment in your home, your future, and the planet as a whole. It is one of the most important and long-reaching things you can do to positively impact the environment and contribute to the beauty and health of the surrounding landscape.


Problems with planting

Whether a novice or a seasoned planter, you'll soon see lavish growth and beauty surrounding your home. While the idea of planting trees to add value and beauty to a property appeals to many, care and attention must be given to the planting process to avoid a negative impact on the environment. It is not a complicated process, and some methodical steps can ensure your trees last for decades to come. Grab your materials and read on to learn more about successful planting:


  1. Give some thought to the right types of trees for your landscape. Do research regarding the types of trees that will flourish well in your geographical area. Consider surrounding plants and foliage that already exist on your property to determine whether these species will play well together. Think ahead to how these trees will look in full maturity, and plan for their size when allowing for space and growth. Planning ahead when planting these saplings will reduce the likelihood of transplantation in the future.

  2. Account for utility fixtures. When selecting the ideal planting location, water and gas lines, electrical and cable fixtures, and other utility hardware must be accounted for. Check for buried cables and utility fixtures. Before you begin digging, call your local utility companies to come out and mark hotspots on your property. As your tree grows, it is free of fixtures that might inhibit proper root formation.

  3. Protect that trunk. Your tree trunk will provide all the support and stability needed for future growth. Protecting it during transport and planting is essential for ensuring its future strength and health.

  4. Dig the right-sized hole. Measure the root ball of the tree to be planted. Your hole should be 2-3 times the size of your root ball; accurate measurement is essential to correct placement and stability. The depth of your hole should be no more than the height of the root ball, or roots will not be able to extend outward to anchor and provide stability for the tree.

  5. Give roots some room to grow. Roots play a vital role in providing stability, pulling nutrients from the soil, and helping to retain moisture that is needed for all functions of growth. Loosen packed soil before placing. Loosen packed dirt around roots to ensure that they get a proper start once the tree has been planted.

  6. Backfill after positioning. Examine your tree from several angles to ensure that it is straight before beginning to backfill your hole. It is challenging to correct the angle of a tree after it has been growing for several months, so if necessary, rally the troops to give you a second opinion on positioning before you pack it gently into place.

  7. Mulch to keep the roots moist. Putting mulch on top of the planting area will protect tender roots as they stretch outward and keep the soil moist. Pack mulch between 2-4 inches deep, keeping it away from the tree's base to prevent root rot.

  8. Monitor moisture in the soil. Your tree needs to be watered weekly to ensure adequate growth in hot, dry climates. In sufficient or high rainfall areas, monitor your tree for signs of excess moistures absorption. A trained arborist may be able to provide you with tips and tricks for getting your tree through its first few years of growth, helping to ensure its long-term survival.

Sarasota Tree Service: Quality service for all your tree care needs

Sarasota Tree Service experts are ready to provide you with quality advice and service for all your tree care needs. Professional arborists are trained in all aspects of tree care. From planting and growth to pruning, disease treatment, and removal, we will create a beautiful landscape for you–one lush tree at a time. Contact us today for a service quote; visit https://www.sarasotatreeserv.com/ for more information.

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