Tree Planting and Care

How do you choose the right tree?

Match the tree to the site. Consider soil type, drainage, sun, space and what you want from it, such as shade, fruit, wildlife food or a windbreak. A tree that needs moist soil will struggle on a dry hill.

Choose species suited to your region and hardiness zone, and be wary of fast growing trees with weak wood. Ask your extension office or a local nursery for lists adapted to your area.

Fruit and nut trees add food for you and for wildlife, but they need more care, including pruning, pest watching and sometimes spraying. Be honest about how much time you can give. If you are planting more than a few trees, consider how they will fit together. A mix of species lowers the risk that one pest or disease will take them all.

When and where should you plant?

Planting time depends on climate, but many regions favor early spring or fall when trees are dormant and weather is mild. Avoid planting in frozen soil, drought or extreme heat.

Look up before you dig. Overhead power lines, septic systems, wells and buried utilities all matter. Call your local utility locating service before digging, and keep trees away from wells and septic fields.

A tree that grows large near a house, well or septic system can cause trouble later with roots or falling limbs. Read the mature size on the label and plant at a safe distance. Ask your extension office for a soil test or a drainage check before choosing species. A few dollars spent here can prevent many failed plantings.

• Check overhead and underground utilities
• Allow room for mature height and width
• Avoid compacted or waterlogged sites
• Keep a distance from buildings and septic areas

How do you plant a tree properly?

Dig a wide shallow hole, not a deep one, and set the tree so that the root flare, where the trunk widens, sits at or slightly above ground level. Loosen circling roots on container trees, and backfill with the native soil.

Water thoroughly after planting. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, which can cause rot and invite pests. A wide ring of mulch a few inches deep, pulled back from the trunk, helps hold moisture.

Handle trees by the root ball or container, not the trunk. Keep roots from drying out before planting, and plant the same day if possible.

How should you care for young trees?

Water regularly during the first couple of years, especially in dry spells. Deep, less frequent watering encourages deep roots. Keep grass and weeds away from the base, since they compete for water.

Stakes are needed only in windy spots or for loose rooted trees, and should be removed after the tree stands on its own.

Mulch rings and a mowing free zone around each tree are among the cheapest and most effective steps. Weed trimmer damage to bark is a very common cause of young tree death. Learn the signs of stress such as wilting, early leaf color change or dieback, and ask an expert when you see them. Catching a problem early gives a young tree a better chance.

How do you protect trees from animals and weather?

Deer rubbing, rabbit gnawing and mouse damage are common. Tree guards and fencing help, and should be checked each year so they do not constrict growth. Mowers and string trimmers also kill many young trees.

Wrap or shade trunks of thin barked trees where advised locally to avoid winter sun damage. Ask your extension office.

Check guards in winter for trapped insects or moisture and loosen them as the trunk grows. Remove tight plastic wraps in spring. Remember that animals browse and rub in different seasons. Guard trees before deer rutting season in fall, and protect trunks during the winter months when food is scarce.

When and how should you prune?

Prune to remove broken or dead branches and to build a strong structure, but avoid heavy pruning in the first years. Timing varies by species, and some trees should not be pruned at certain times because of disease risk.

Learn the basics from an extension publication, or hire a certified arborist for larger trees or work near power lines. Never prune near power lines yourself.

Keep tools clean between trees to avoid spreading disease. Avoid sealing cuts with paint, which is not generally recommended, and ask an expert if unsure. For larger trees, the safest approach is to leave major work to trained professionals who carry insurance and know how to work safely near wires and structures.

Are there programs or sources for seedlings?

State forestry agencies and conservation districts often sell or give out seedlings, and NRCS may offer help for larger plantings. Availability, prices and terms change, so ask directly.

Buy from reputable sources to avoid spreading pests and invasive plants.

Keep tags and receipts so you know what species you planted, since that matters later for pests, pruning and replacement. Share your planting with neighbors or local groups if you wish. Community plantings and seedling sales run by conservation groups are a good source of low cost trees.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.