Tree Planting: What Many Think vs. What Should be Done
- M.J. Design
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Planting a tree might seem simple—dig a hole, drop it in, and let nature take over. But this common approach often leads to failure, wasted time, and dead trees.
Let’s break down what many people think is the right way… and what the correct method really is.
❌ What People Think: “Any tree will do—it’s all about how it looks.”
✅ What You Should Do: It’s easy to assume that if a tree is for sale at a reputable nursery or garden center, it must be a good fit for your landscape. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Nurseries often carry a wide variety of trees, including some that are marginally hardy, poorly suited to certain soil types, or require very specific growing conditions. These trees may look great in the pot but struggle—or die—once planted in the wrong environment.
❌ What People Think: “Let it sit for a while—it’ll adjust before I plant it.”
✅ What You Should Do: Plant your tree as soon as possible after purchase. Leaving it unplanted can stress the roots, especially in hot or dry weather.
❌ What People Think: “A small hole will do—it just needs to fit.”
✅ What You Should Do: Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball and just as deep as the root flare (the point where the trunk starts to widen). This gives roots space to spread and prevents sinking or suffocation.
❌ What People Think: “Leave the burlap and twine—it helps support the root ball.”
✅ What You Should Do: Remove all burlap, twine, and wire baskets. These can restrict root growth and eventually strangle the tree as it matures.
❌ What People Think: “Cover the whole trunk with soil—it helps hold the tree in place.”
✅ What You Should Do: Make sure the root flare is visible above ground. Burying it too deep causes rot and starves the roots of oxygen.
❌ What People Think: “A little splash of water is fine—it’ll rain soon anyway.”
✅ What You Should Do: Water deeply and slowly right after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Then continue to water regularly, especially during the first year as the tree establishes.
❌ What People Think: “I planted the tree straight—it’s tough, it’ll grow on its own.”
✅ What You Should Do: Even if the tree looks straight when planted, wind, rain, and loose soil can cause it to lean or shift—especially in the first year. Stake the tree using three stakes and flexible ties, spaced evenly around the tree. This provides balanced support while still allowing slight movement, which helps strengthen the trunk.
Also, monitor the tree regularly for signs of stress like yellowing leaves, wilting, or leaning. Water consistently, especially during hot or dry periods. Even the hardiest trees need a little help getting established.
⏱️ REMEMBER: Remove the stakes after one year to avoid girdling or long-term damage.
The Bottom Line:
Proper tree planting isn't complicated—but it is important. A few extra steps now can mean decades of healthy growth.
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