How to plant trees in your first year
To plant a tree, contact 811 a few business days before you dig, then dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and no deeper. Set the root flare at ground level, backfill with native soil and mulch 2 to 4 inches deep. Water deeply for two summers.
What you need before planting a tree
Smaller is smarter than it looks. University of Illinois Extension says larger plants stay in transplant shock longer than smaller ones, and most potted or balled trees spend up to three years in it. A smaller tree costs less, and it starts growing away sooner. Buy the tree that suits the spot when it's fully grown, not the one that looks best on the lot.
Look up the height, crown spread and root space of any tree on your list, as the Arbor Day Foundation advises. A county extension office or local nursery can tell you which species handle your climate and soil, and the best planting season for your area.
You'll also need:
- A shovel and a garden hose or soaker hose
- Wood chips or bark mulch
- Stakes and soft straps, only if the site is windy
- A tape measure, for checking the depth of the hole
Skip the fertilizer in the hole. Nebraska's forest service says fertilizer usually isn't needed, and it should never go in the planting hole.
Where to plant a tree in your yard
Roots spread further than people expect. Illinois Extension says a mature tree's root system typically reaches at least twice the width of its limbs, and most roots stay in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. So think about what's under the ground as well as what's above.
- Sketch the fully grown crown on your yard plan, and keep it clear of the house and power lines.
- Find your sewer line before you choose a spot. Ask your local utility or a plumber if you don't know where it runs.
- Check for an easement or homeowners association rule covering your front yard or the strip by the street.
- Move the planting site if the 811 marks land close to it.
811 is free. Contact it a few business days before digging, give the exact area, and wait until every utility has marked its lines with paint or flags. Those marks show approximate locations, so dig carefully around them. Ask your state 811 center about lines you own yourself, such as one to a shed or a sprinkler system, because they may not get marked.
How to plant a tree, step by step
- Contact 811
Do it a few business days ahead. Wait until all utilities have marked the area.
- Find the root flare
Dig gently into the pot or root ball until you reach the first main root. That's your true soil line.
- Dig wide and shallow
Make the hole two to three times wider than the root ball and no deeper than the flare needs. Many holes need only about one shovel depth, roughly 10 to 14 inches.
- Set the tree
Stand it on firm soil with the flare at ground level, or just above it.
- Backfill with native soil
Tamp lightly as you go, then water slowly.
- Mulch in a ring
Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer as wide as the planting hole, keeping it clear of the trunk.
- Water for two summers
Trees need about 1 to 2 inches of water a week, counting rain. In dry spells, soak the soil 8 to 12 inches deep once a week with a trickling hose.
What planting a tree costs
| Item | What it costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 811 utility marking | Free | Do this before any digging |
| Nursery tree | Varies by species and size | Bigger trees cost more and take longer to recover |
| Mulch | Varies | Sold bagged or in bulk |
| Planting by a landscaper | Varies; get a quote | Worth it for heavy, balled trees |
How to plant a tree without the common mistakes
- Digging too deep. Illinois Extension calls this the most common planting mistake.
- Trusting the pot. The root flare is often buried, sometimes several inches down, so find it and remove the extra soil.
- Loosening the bottom of the hole. Clemson warns the root ball may then settle deeper.
- Piling mulch against the trunk. Keep it away from the root flare.
- Watering a little every day. Heavy weekly watering mimics rain better.
- Leaving stakes on. Remove stakes and straps within one year.
How deep to plant a tree and other questions
How deep should I plant a tree?
Only as deep as the root ball, with the root flare level with the soil. Nebraska's guidance puts the first main roots about 1 to 2 inches below the surface.
How often should I water a new tree?
About once a week is a good base, with 1 to 2 inches of water counting rain. Check the soil, since both too much and too little can kill a tree. Advice on frequency differs by climate, so ask your local extension office.
Do I need to call 811 to plant a tree?
Yes. Any digging can hit a buried line. The service is free, and your state 811 center can tell you how much notice it needs.
Sources: extension.illinois.edu, nfs.unl.edu, hgic.clemson.edu, 811beforeyoudig.com, arborday.org
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.