Planting Trees

Planting and Growing Trees: Your Greenwood Nursery Guide for Success

Give your new trees the best start with this essential planting guide from Greenwood Nursery, your trusted online nursery. Learn the proper techniques for planting both bare-root and container-grown trees to ensure healthy growth for years to come.

Understanding Tree Spacing:

When selecting a planting location from our online plants nursery, consider the tree's mature height. Smaller trees like dogwoods and redbuds typically reach 15 to 25 feet tall. Larger varieties such as maples, oaks, and poplars can grow to 40 feet and taller. A general rule is to plant trees as far apart from each other and foundations as their expected mature height. Remember that a tree's canopy and root system can extend as wide as its height. Avoid planting trees over septic systems or near field lines, as roots will seek out moisture from these pipes. For new landscaping, maintain a minimum of 50 feet between trees and these systems. Utilize ornamental grasses, perennials, ground covers, and low-growing shrubs in areas with septic, field, or water lines.

Preparing the Ground:

• Hard or Clay Soil: Improve drainage and reduce compaction by amending the soil you'll use to backfill the hole with organic matter.
• Loose or Sandy Soil: Enhance soil quality, nutrient retention, and density by incorporating topsoil and organic matter into the backfill.

Planting Bare Root Trees:

1. Dig a hole 8 to 14 inches wide and 12 to 14 inches deep, ensuring it's at least 3 to 4 inches deeper and 4 to 5 inches wider than the tree's root system.
2. Pour about 2 inches of water into the hole and allow it to soak into the ground.
3. While the water drains, remove any plastic wrap and shredded newspaper from the tree's roots.
4. Holding the tree upright with the root collar (the lighter line above the roots) slightly above ground level, use your other hand to pull soil back into the hole, pressing lightly.
5. Fill the hole around the root system with your prepared soil mixture and firmly press the soil around the base of the plant.
6. Water the soil again with approximately the same amount as you used to pre-water the hole.
7. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree in a doughnut shape, keeping the mulch a couple of inches away from the trunk to create a well for watering. Mound the mulch out 6 to 12 inches.
8. For the first 4 to 6 weeks, water every 2 to 3 days, adjusting for significant rainfall. To check for moisture, dig down about 5 inches and 4-6 inches away from the trunk. Water if the soil feels dry; if moist, check again the next day. Replace the soil after checking.
9. Gradually reduce watering frequency, encouraging the roots to seek moisture. Water more often during hot, dry periods. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
10. Clip any broken or damaged tips and branches that may have occurred during shipping or before planting.

Planting Container Grown Trees:

1. Dig a hole 2 to 4 inches wider and 3 to 5 inches deeper than the container.
2. Pour about 2 inches of water into the hole and allow it to soak in.
3. While the water drains, firmly loosen the soil around the edges of the pot. Cup the plant's base and the top of the container, then tip it over to gently slide the root ball out.
4. Holding the base of the plant, gently comb through the roots and surrounding soil to loosen and spread them. Straighten any roots that are tightly circling the inside of the pot. Avoid pulling the root system apart, just loosen and allow the roots to stretch.
5. Position the tree in the hole with the base of the trunk slightly above ground level. Begin pulling soil back into the hole.
6. Fill the hole around the root ball with your prepared soil mixture and lightly press the soil around the base of the plant.
7. Water the soil again with approximately the same amount as you used to pre-water the hole.
8. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree in a doughnut shape, keeping the mulch a couple of inches away from the trunk to create a well for watering. Mound the mulch out 6 to 12 inches.
9. For the first 4 to 6 weeks, water every 2 to 3 days, adjusting for significant rainfall. Check soil moisture as described for bare-root trees.
10. Gradually reduce watering frequency. Water more often during hot, dry periods. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
11. Clip any broken or damaged tips and branches.

Fertilizing Trees:

Often, adding organic matter during planting and using organic mulch in spring and fall eliminates the need for additional fertilizer in the first year. Starting in the second year, wait until the tree begins to leaf out before fertilizing. Consult your local garden center for recommendations specific to your tree varieties. A timed-release formula is often a good option as it provides nutrients gradually throughout the growing season. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm your trees and the soil over time. In late winter/early spring, prune any dead, broken, or crossing branches for a clean appearance as new growth emerges. Grafted or budded trees with a visible crook near the base should be planted and mulched up to that crook, leaving it exposed. For fast-growing trees like Lombardy Poplar, Hybrid Poplar, and Hybrid Willow (Husky sizes), plant an additional 12 to 18 inches above their root collar for better stability.