Mistakes to avoid when planting trees

For many states, Arbor Day (the official tree planting day) occurs in January. It’s a great reminder to get out, plant, prune, prune, and deadhead, but not if you’re making common planting mistakes. There’s a reason there are expert arborists, licensed pruning professionals, and a variety of certificates available to those with a green thumb: It’s not easy. Even the seemingly simple act of planting a tree can be challenging.

Depending on where you live, there are different “prime times” to plant a tree, but January is certainly one of the top candidates. Shade trees generally “take” best in fall and winter, but if you mix up a few faulty planting practices, you could be setting yourself up for disaster. It’s not just about planting: it’s also about immediate follow-up. Avoid these major missteps and you’ll be on the fast track to beautiful scenery in no time:

1. Choose the right tree

This seems like obvious advice, but a poor quality tree or the wrong tree in the right place can be detrimental. Please remember that not all trees available for sale are of good quality and may not be of good quality for your specific region. Watch out for plants growing out of the container or any bark damage on younger trees. If you see these red flags, you’re signing up for a top fixer.

You also need to ensure that the tree thrives in your chosen environment. Think mature length, height, and make sure you have room for it to reach its full potential. You should also check soil drainage, sun/shade exposure, and soil pH to ensure the tree is well-suited to its location.

2. The right depth

Planting too deep can cause big problems, so try to get the top of the root ball even with the level. The lower part of the trunk should not be buried in the soil and use a lighter touch with mulch. Too much mulch is the same mistake as planting too deep. Aim for about three inches of mulch below the canopy. Be careful with shallow plantings though, too, a root ball that is exposed will dry out.

3. The right width

Every time you plant a tree, make sure the hole is two to three times as wide as the root ball. This will encourage root development laterally. Roots grow out, not down, so give it a fighting chance. Width that is too narrow or too wide will make it difficult for your tree to grow, ultimately leading to a weak tree that will not thrive.

Finally, also check for root-bound trees and free them before planting. When you are done planting, use the same soil you dug, do not amend the fill with bark or compost. That can cause problems with water migration. Follow the recommended pruning and watering for your species, and resist the temptation to over-prune this season. Your tree has enough challenges to literally be uprooted and start over.