Planting a tree allows you to add beauty, shade, and life to your yard. Summer can be a great time to plant a new tree, but it does require a bit more planning than planting in cooler months. Here’s a checklist to give your new trees the best possible start.
Choose the Right Tree for the Right Spot
It sounds simple, but a lot of people choose the wrong tree and spot. Before you buy anything, think about what you actually want. Are you looking for shade, privacy, or curb appeal? Different trees serve different purposes, and not every tree thrives in every setting.
Consider how much space is available both above and below ground. A tree that looks small at the nursery can grow to towering heights with roots that spread just as wide. Check for overhead power lines, underground utilities, and proximity to your home’s foundation before settling on a location.
Dig a Proper Hole
A properly dug hole makes a big difference. You’ll want it to be two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball itself. Planting too deeply is one of the most common mistakes, and it can slowly suffocate the tree’s roots over time.
When you place the tree in the hole, make sure the root flare, the spot where the trunk begins to widen at the base, sits at or just above ground level. Backfill with the original soil, tamp it down gently to remove air pockets, and you’re good to go.
Water Deeply and Consistently
Newly planted trees need plenty of water, especially during warm months. Water right after planting, then keep up a consistent schedule throughout the first season. Deep, regular watering encourages roots to grow downward rather than staying shallow near the surface.
Mulch
Don’t skimp on the mulch. Apply 2 to 4 inches around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk itself. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and reduces competition from grass and weeds. It’s one of the easiest things you can do to support a newly planted tree’s survival.
Be Patient and Keep an Eye on Things
Trees take time to establish. Don’t panic if yours looks a little droopy or slow in its first few weeks after planting it. Keep watering, avoid fertilizing too soon, and resist the urge to prune heavily right after planting. Give it a full growing season to settle in, and you’ll likely be rewarded with healthy new growth before you know it.
Planting a tree is a long-term investment in your property. With a little preparation and the right kind of care, what starts as a small sapling can become one of the most valued features of your yard.
Looking for reliable tree planting near Carson City, NV? Contact American Arborists to get started.