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[Skip to content](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-plant-trees/#fl-main-content) [](https://sactree.org/) - [Home](https://sactree.org/) - [About](https://sactree.org/about/) - [Board of Directors](https://sactree.org/about/board/) - [Job Openings](https://sactree.org/about/jobs/) - [Financials](https://sactree.org/about/financials/) - [Our Work](https://sactree.org/programs/) - [Free Trees](https://sactree.org/programs/free-shade-trees/) - [Community Plantings](https://sactree.org/programs/free-shade-trees/community-shade/) - [Native Tree Reforestation](https://sactree.org/programs/reforestation/) - [NeighborWoods](https://sactree.org/programs/neighborwoods/) - [Urban Wood Rescue](https://sactree.org/programs/urban-wood-rescue/) - [Cherry Blossom Park](https://sactree.org/hanami/) - [Activities for Kids & Teachers](https://sactree.org/programs/activities-for-kids/) - [Acorn Harvest](https://sactree.org/programs/acorn-harvest/) - [Events](https://sactree.org/events/) - [Buy Wood](https://sactree.org/programs/urban-wood-rescue/inventory/) - [Blog](https://sactree.org/blog/) - [Contact](https://sactree.org/contact/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sactree) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/SacTree) [Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/sactree/albums/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sactree) [](https://sactree.org/) - [Get Trees](https://sactree.org/programs/free-shade-trees/) - [Free trees for SMUD customers](https://sactree.org/programs/free-shade-trees/) - [Free trees for community spaces](https://sactree.org/programs/free-shade-trees/community-shade/) - [Currently available trees](https://sactree.org/available) - [Recommended trees for the Sacramento region](https://sactree.org/best-trees-for-sacramento/) - [Get Involved](https://sactree.org/volunteer/) - [Events Calendar](https://sactree.org/events/) - [Volunteer](https://sactree.org/volunteer/) - [Lead a Project](https://sactree.org/programs/neighborwoods/) - [Get free trees for your community](https://sactree.org/programs/free-shade-trees/community-shade/) - [Buy Wood](https://sactree.org/programs/urban-wood-rescue/inventory/) - [Make a Gift](https://sactree.org/how-to-give/) - [Donate to the Hanami Line](https://sactree.org/hanami/donate/) - [Job Listings](https://sactree.org/about/jobs/) - [Find Resources](https://sactree.org/resources/) - [Languages]() - [español](https://sactree.org/espanol/) - [на русском](https://sactree.org/russkom/) - [Hmoob](https://sactree.org/hmoob/) - [Tiếng Việt](https://sactree.org/tiengviet/) - [中文](https://sactree.org/zhongwen/) - [Tagalog](https://sactree.org/tagalog/) - [Learn about trees](https://sactree.org/resources/) - [Native Trees](https://sactree.org/resources/native-trees/) - [Tree Identification](https://sactree.org/resources/tree-identification/) - [Activities for Kids](https://sactree.org/programs/activities-for-kids/) - [Tree Tours](https://sactree.org/resources/tree-tours/) - [Tree care tips](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/) - [Recommended trees](https://sactree.org/best-trees-for-sacramento/) - [How to plant a tree](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-plant-trees/) - [Watering trees](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-water-trees/) - [Mulching trees](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-mulch-trees/) - [Pruning trees](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-prune-young-trees/) - [Hiring an arborist](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/tips-for-hiring-an-arborist/) - [Donate](https://sactree.givingfuel.com/donate) - [Search]() How to plant a tree Planting trees is not difficult, but the way a tree is planted determines whether it will thrive. Follow these tips to make sure your trees get off to a healthy start\! [español](https://sactree.org/espanol/como-plantar-arboles) \| [Hmoob](https://sactree.org/hmoob/cog-ntoo/) \| [Tiếng Việt](https://sactree.org/tiengviet/cach-trong-cay) \| [中文](https://sactree.org/zhongwen/ruhe-zhongzhi) \| [на русском](https://sactree.org/russkom/kak-posadit-derevo/) \| [Tagalog](https://sactree.org/tagalog/paano-magtanim) ##### These items are helpful to have on hand: - Gloves - Tarp or burlap - Hoe or flat head shovel - Shovel - Pickaxe or digging bar - Root saw or drywall saw - Tie tape (provided with trees) - Stakes (provided with trees) - Post pounder or mallet - Stepping stool or small ladder - 5 gallon bucket - ~3 cubic feet wood chip mulch [Get Printable Instructions](https://sactree.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tree-planting-and-care-guide.pdf) ### If you are a SMUD customer, we can provide a free landscape consultation and up to 10 free shade trees! Sign up to schedule an appointment. [Sign up](https://sactree.org/programs/free-shade-trees/) ### [Call 811 before you dig](https://call811.com/ "Call 811 before you dig") Safety first! [Call 811](https://call811.com/) at least 2 days before digging. This free service requires utilities to mark all of their underground locations so you don't accidentally hit an underground utility line while digging. Mark all proposed tree locations with white paint, chalk, flags, or flour. ### Step 1: Liberate the root ball  1. Identify and expose the true root flare where the trunk flares out to meet the first major roots. You might have to remove extra soil on top until you find the true root flare. 2. Vigorously liberate the root ball - thoroughly loosen any fine roots, pointing them outward. 3. Prune off any large circling or kinked roots. 4. Place the tree back in its pot and water it well to prevent the roots from drying out while you dig the planting hole. Water your tree well before removing it from the pot so the roots don't dry out.   ### Step 2: Dig a hole and plant your tree  1. Remove grass and weeds in a 4-foot wide area. 2. Dig a wide, shallow hole 4 feet wide and only as deep as the rootball from the root flare to the bottommost roots. This height will vary from tree to tree. Score the sides of the planting hole with a shovel or pickaxe so the sides are not smooth. 3. Place the tree in the hole so the root flare is at or just above the soil line. To check your planting depth, lay a stake across the hole - the root flare should be just in the middle of the stake. 4. Replace the soil you originally removed to dig the hole; the final soil line should sit just at the root flare. Do not add any store bought soil, fertilizers, or amendments.  ### Step 3: Remove the nursery stake & install support stakes  1. Remove the thin nursery stake that was tied to the tree for transport. It will prevent the tree from developing a strong trunk and root system. 2. If the tree cannot support itself, install 2 support stakes 18 inches away from the trunk on opposite sides. 3. Tie the tree loosely in one spot to the support stakes in the bottom 2/3 of the trunk, leaving it loose enough to sway several inches in each direction. Stakes and ties should remain until roots are established - when you can shake the trunk and the ground does not move (6 months - 2 years). ### Step 4: Mulch with wood chips  Natural wood chip mulch saves water, prevents weeds, insulates soil from extreme temperatures, and provides optimal soil conditions for your tree to grow quickly. 1. (optional) Spread a 1-inch layer of compost on top of the soil to allow key nutrients to soak into the soil over time. 2. Spread wood chip mulch in a 4-foot area around the tree, 4 inches from the trunk, and 6 inches thick. 3. Add more mulch on top as it breaks down, about once a year. Do not allow grass or other plants to grow near the trunk. Check out our tips on mulching your trees to learn more about the benefits of mulch, the best type for your trees, and how you can get FREE wood chips. [Learn More](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-mulch-trees/) ### Step 5: Provide slow, deep waterings in the dry months  1. Check the soil below the surface to see if water is needed. 2. Drill a small hole at the base of a 5-gallon bucket and place it next to the tree. Fill it with water immediately after planting. Fill the bucket 2-3 times per week, for a total of 10-15 gallons per week. 3. As your tree grows, expand the watering zone outward to soak the area under the outer reaches of the branches. 4. Continue watering your young tree at least weekly for the first 3 years. Once it begins to mature and establish a bigger root system, its watering needs may change. [Read more about watering mature trees](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-water-trees/). Soaker hoses and drip emitters also work well. Lawn sprinklers do not replace the need to deeply water trees. [Learn More](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-water-trees/) ### Step 6: Prune for good structure  Start structural pruning the first winter after planting and re-check every winter. A few simple cuts while the tree is young can avoid expensive or more damaging cuts when the tree is mature. 1. Remove broken, dead, or crossing branches, watersprouts, and suckers. 2. Select and establish a single central trunk. Remove or prune back any vigorous, upright branches that are competing with the main trunk. 3. Leave lower temporary branches - they help develop a stronger trunk! If they're too long, shorten them to about 1 foot. Find more detailed pruning instructions or watch a recorded pruning webinar to sharpen your pruning skills. [Learn More](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-prune-young-trees/) ### Now that you've planted your tree, what next? [](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-water-trees/) ##### [Watering](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-water-trees/) [](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-prune-young-trees/) ##### [Pruning](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-prune-young-trees/) [](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-mulch-trees/) ##### [Mulching](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-mulch-trees/) [](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/tips-for-hiring-an-arborist/) ##### [Hiring an arborist](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/tips-for-hiring-an-arborist/)  **Sacramento Tree Foundation** 6045 Midway Street Sacramento, CA 95828 916-924-8733 [PRIVACY POLICY](https://sactree.org/privacy/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sactree) [Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/sactree/) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/SacTree) © 2026 Sacramento Tree Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

[Call 811 before you dig](https://call811.com/ "Call 811 before you dig") Safety first! [Call 811](https://call811.com/) at least 2 days before digging. This free service requires utilities to mark all of their underground locations so you don't accidentally hit an underground utility line while digging. Mark all proposed tree locations with white paint, chalk, flags, or flour. Step 1: Liberate the root ball  1. Identify and expose the true root flare where the trunk flares out to meet the first major roots. You might have to remove extra soil on top until you find the true root flare. 2. Vigorously liberate the root ball - thoroughly loosen any fine roots, pointing them outward. 3. Prune off any large circling or kinked roots. 4. Place the tree back in its pot and water it well to prevent the roots from drying out while you dig the planting hole. Water your tree well before removing it from the pot so the roots don't dry out.   Step 2: Dig a hole and plant your tree  1. Remove grass and weeds in a 4-foot wide area. 2. Dig a wide, shallow hole 4 feet wide and only as deep as the rootball from the root flare to the bottommost roots. This height will vary from tree to tree. Score the sides of the planting hole with a shovel or pickaxe so the sides are not smooth. 3. Place the tree in the hole so the root flare is at or just above the soil line. To check your planting depth, lay a stake across the hole - the root flare should be just in the middle of the stake. 4. Replace the soil you originally removed to dig the hole; the final soil line should sit just at the root flare. Do not add any store bought soil, fertilizers, or amendments.  Step 3: Remove the nursery stake & install support stakes  1. Remove the thin nursery stake that was tied to the tree for transport. It will prevent the tree from developing a strong trunk and root system. 2. If the tree cannot support itself, install 2 support stakes 18 inches away from the trunk on opposite sides. 3. Tie the tree loosely in one spot to the support stakes in the bottom 2/3 of the trunk, leaving it loose enough to sway several inches in each direction. Stakes and ties should remain until roots are established - when you can shake the trunk and the ground does not move (6 months - 2 years). Step 4: Mulch with wood chips  Natural wood chip mulch saves water, prevents weeds, insulates soil from extreme temperatures, and provides optimal soil conditions for your tree to grow quickly. 1. (optional) Spread a 1-inch layer of compost on top of the soil to allow key nutrients to soak into the soil over time. 2. Spread wood chip mulch in a 4-foot area around the tree, 4 inches from the trunk, and 6 inches thick. 3. Add more mulch on top as it breaks down, about once a year. Do not allow grass or other plants to grow near the trunk. Check out our tips on mulching your trees to learn more about the benefits of mulch, the best type for your trees, and how you can get FREE wood chips. Step 5: Provide slow, deep waterings in the dry months  1. Check the soil below the surface to see if water is needed. 2. Drill a small hole at the base of a 5-gallon bucket and place it next to the tree. Fill it with water immediately after planting. Fill the bucket 2-3 times per week, for a total of 10-15 gallons per week. 3. As your tree grows, expand the watering zone outward to soak the area under the outer reaches of the branches. 4. Continue watering your young tree at least weekly for the first 3 years. Once it begins to mature and establish a bigger root system, its watering needs may change. [Read more about watering mature trees](https://sactree.org/tree-care-tips/how-to-water-trees/). Soaker hoses and drip emitters also work well. Lawn sprinklers do not replace the need to deeply water trees. Step 6: Prune for good structure  Start structural pruning the first winter after planting and re-check every winter. A few simple cuts while the tree is young can avoid expensive or more damaging cuts when the tree is mature. 1. Remove broken, dead, or crossing branches, watersprouts, and suckers. 2. Select and establish a single central trunk. Remove or prune back any vigorous, upright branches that are competing with the main trunk. 3. Leave lower temporary branches - they help develop a stronger trunk! If they're too long, shorten them to about 1 foot. Find more detailed pruning instructions or watch a recorded pruning webinar to sharpen your pruning skills.