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| Meta Title | How to Plant Potted Trees | Arbor Day Foundation | |||||||||
| Meta Description | Proper planting is key to set your potted or containerized tree up for success. Grab a shovel, gloves, a small bag of mulch, and a pocket knife and let’s get planting. | |||||||||
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| Boilerpipe Text | Back to Planting Your Tree
Planting
Proper planting is key to set your potted or containerized tree up for success. Grab a shovel, gloves, a small bag of mulch, and a pocket knife and let’s get planting.
Â
Download Instructions
Right tree, right place
The first step is choosing where to plant your tree.Â
Consider how large your tree will grow and avoid obstacles like sidewalks and power lines.
Think about shading windows or AC units to conserve energy and where your tree will get full or partial sun, depending on your species’ needs.Â
Â
Ready, set, plant
Â
Call
Call
Dig
Remove from pot
Center
Fill
Mulch & Water
Remove Tags
Call
Dig
Remove from pot
Center
Fill
Mulch & Water
Remove Tags
Call
A few days before you dig, call 811 to avoid any underground lines.
Â
Dig
Dig a hole about three to four times as wide as the container with sloping slides.
Remove from pot
Lay your tree’s container on its side and tap to loosen the roots. Gently remove the tree and try to keep the soil around the roots intact. Sometimes, potted trees become root-bound. To loosen things up, cut a shallow X with a sharp knife across the bottom of the root ball and score four vertical slices along the sides.
Â
Center
Center your tree in the hole and adjust the depth so the root collar (where the uppermost roots grow out of the trunk) sits even with the ground.
Â
Fill
Fill and firmly pack the hole until the soil is at ground level. Form a circular ridge of soil about 3 feet from the base of the tree to keep water from running away.
Â
Mulch & Water
Remove grass within 3 feet around the tree and add natural mulch about 2 to 4 inches deep. Keep mulch from touching the trunk.Â
Water daily for the first two weeks. Then, water every three to seven days during the first year. Tip: set a reminder, like "Water Wednesdays."
Remove Tags
Remove any tags and labels from the tree as these will affect the tree as it grows. You may need to prune any broken or dead branches.
What if I can’t plant right away?
Â
Keep your tree in a cool, shaded place until you’re ready to plant. Remember to water your tree regularly to prevent the roots from drying.Â
Â
Tips and tricks for healthy trees
Â
Tree Care and Maintenance
Choose, plant, and care for the right tree for your space.
Â
Mulching
An arborist explains the need for mulch and why trees need it.
Â
1/4
Say cheese with your trees
Â
Posting your tree on social? Follow and tag the Arbor Day Foundation so we can celebrate with you.
Â
Facebook
Instagram
A better future is ready to be planted
Â
Making the world better can start by planting a tree at home. Help keep it going by helping us plant trees around the world.
Â
Donate
Related Posts
View All Posts
Planting
How to Plant Balled & Burlapped Trees
Learn how to plant balled & burlapped trees for secure, thriving growth.
Planting
How to Plant Bare-Root Trees
Master the steps to plant bare-root trees and promote strong, healthy growth.
Planting
Everbearing Red Raspberry Bush Planting & Care Instructions
Discover the benefits of everbearing red raspberries, known for their dual harvests, sweet flavor, and versatility in the kitchen. | |||||||||
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Planting
# Planting Potted Trees
Proper planting is key to set your potted or containerized tree up for success. Grab a shovel, gloves, a small bag of mulch, and a pocket knife and let’s get planting.
[Download Instructions](https://www.arborday.org/media/22381/download)


Right tree, right place
## The first step is choosing where to plant your tree.
Consider how large your tree will grow and avoid obstacles like sidewalks and power lines. Think about shading windows or AC units to conserve energy and where your tree will get full or partial sun, depending on your species’ needs.
## Ready, set, plant
Call
- [Call](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-1)
- [Dig](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-2)
- [Remove from pot](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-3)
- [Center](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-4)
- [Fill](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-5)
- [Mulch & Water](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-6)
- [Remove Tags](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-7)
- [Call](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-1)
- [Dig](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-2)
- [Remove from pot](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-3)
- [Center](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-4)
- [Fill](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-5)
- [Mulch & Water](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-6)
- [Remove Tags](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-7)

## Call
A few days before you dig, call 811 to avoid any underground lines.

## Dig
Dig a hole about three to four times as wide as the container with sloping slides.

## Remove from pot
Lay your tree’s container on its side and tap to loosen the roots. Gently remove the tree and try to keep the soil around the roots intact. Sometimes, potted trees become root-bound. To loosen things up, cut a shallow X with a sharp knife across the bottom of the root ball and score four vertical slices along the sides.

## Center
Center your tree in the hole and adjust the depth so the root collar (where the uppermost roots grow out of the trunk) sits even with the ground.

## Fill
Fill and firmly pack the hole until the soil is at ground level. Form a circular ridge of soil about 3 feet from the base of the tree to keep water from running away.

## Mulch & Water
Remove grass within 3 feet around the tree and add natural mulch about 2 to 4 inches deep. Keep mulch from touching the trunk.
Water daily for the first two weeks. Then, water every three to seven days during the first year. Tip: set a reminder, like "Water Wednesdays."

## Remove Tags
Remove any tags and labels from the tree as these will affect the tree as it grows. You may need to prune any broken or dead branches.

## What if I can’t plant right away?
Keep your tree in a cool, shaded place until you’re ready to plant. Remember to water your tree regularly to prevent the roots from drying.
## Tips and tricks for healthy trees
[ Tree Care and Maintenance Choose, plant, and care for the right tree for your space.](https://www.arborday.org/tree-care-maintenance)
[ Mulching An arborist explains the need for mulch and why trees need it.](https://www.arborday.org/video/ask-arborist-why-do-we-mulch)
[ Watering Learn how much water your tree needs and how to avoid overwatering.](https://www.arborday.org/video/ask-arborist-how-do-i-know-if-my-trees-need-water)
[ Pruning Keep your trees in shape by following these pruning practices.](https://www.arborday.org/tree-resources/prune-your-trees)
Previous
Next
1/4
## Say cheese with your trees
Posting your tree on social? Follow and tag the Arbor Day Foundation so we can celebrate with you.
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/arborday/)
[Instagram](https://instagram.com/arbordayfoundation/)

## A better future is ready to be planted
Making the world better can start by planting a tree at home. Help keep it going by helping us plant trees around the world.
[Donate](https://www.arborday.org/donate)
## Related Posts
[View All Posts](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree)
[](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-balled-burlapped-trees)
[Planting How to Plant Balled & Burlapped Trees Learn how to plant balled & burlapped trees for secure, thriving growth.](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-balled-burlapped-trees)
[](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-bare-root-trees)
[Planting How to Plant Bare-Root Trees Master the steps to plant bare-root trees and promote strong, healthy growth.](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-bare-root-trees)
[](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/everbearing-red-raspberry-bush-planting-care-instructions)
[Planting Everbearing Red Raspberry Bush Planting & Care Instructions Discover the benefits of everbearing red raspberries, known for their dual harvests, sweet flavor, and versatility in the kitchen.](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/everbearing-red-raspberry-bush-planting-care-instructions)
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| Readable Markdown | [Back to Planting Your Tree](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree)
Planting
Proper planting is key to set your potted or containerized tree up for success. Grab a shovel, gloves, a small bag of mulch, and a pocket knife and let’s get planting.
[Download Instructions](https://www.arborday.org/media/22381/download)


Right tree, right place
## The first step is choosing where to plant your tree.
Consider how large your tree will grow and avoid obstacles like sidewalks and power lines. Think about shading windows or AC units to conserve energy and where your tree will get full or partial sun, depending on your species’ needs.
## Ready, set, plant
Call
- [Call](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-1)
- [Dig](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-2)
- [Remove from pot](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-3)
- [Center](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-4)
- [Fill](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-5)
- [Mulch & Water](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-6)
- [Remove Tags](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-7)
- [Call](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-1)
- [Dig](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-2)
- [Remove from pot](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-3)
- [Center](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-4)
- [Fill](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-5)
- [Mulch & Water](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-6)
- [Remove Tags](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-containerized-trees#tab-69971-7)

## Call
A few days before you dig, call 811 to avoid any underground lines.

## Dig
Dig a hole about three to four times as wide as the container with sloping slides.

## Remove from pot
Lay your tree’s container on its side and tap to loosen the roots. Gently remove the tree and try to keep the soil around the roots intact. Sometimes, potted trees become root-bound. To loosen things up, cut a shallow X with a sharp knife across the bottom of the root ball and score four vertical slices along the sides.

## Center
Center your tree in the hole and adjust the depth so the root collar (where the uppermost roots grow out of the trunk) sits even with the ground.

## Fill
Fill and firmly pack the hole until the soil is at ground level. Form a circular ridge of soil about 3 feet from the base of the tree to keep water from running away.

## Mulch & Water
Remove grass within 3 feet around the tree and add natural mulch about 2 to 4 inches deep. Keep mulch from touching the trunk.
Water daily for the first two weeks. Then, water every three to seven days during the first year. Tip: set a reminder, like "Water Wednesdays."

## Remove Tags
Remove any tags and labels from the tree as these will affect the tree as it grows. You may need to prune any broken or dead branches.

## What if I can’t plant right away?
Keep your tree in a cool, shaded place until you’re ready to plant. Remember to water your tree regularly to prevent the roots from drying.
## Tips and tricks for healthy trees
[ Tree Care and Maintenance Choose, plant, and care for the right tree for your space.](https://www.arborday.org/tree-care-maintenance)
[ Mulching An arborist explains the need for mulch and why trees need it.](https://www.arborday.org/video/ask-arborist-why-do-we-mulch)
1/4
## Say cheese with your trees
Posting your tree on social? Follow and tag the Arbor Day Foundation so we can celebrate with you.
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/arborday/)
[Instagram](https://instagram.com/arbordayfoundation/)

## A better future is ready to be planted
Making the world better can start by planting a tree at home. Help keep it going by helping us plant trees around the world.
[Donate](https://www.arborday.org/donate)
## Related Posts
[View All Posts](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree)
[](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-balled-burlapped-trees)
[Planting How to Plant Balled & Burlapped Trees Learn how to plant balled & burlapped trees for secure, thriving growth.](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-balled-burlapped-trees)
[](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-bare-root-trees)
[Planting How to Plant Bare-Root Trees Master the steps to plant bare-root trees and promote strong, healthy growth.](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/how-plant-bare-root-trees)
[](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/everbearing-red-raspberry-bush-planting-care-instructions)
[Planting Everbearing Red Raspberry Bush Planting & Care Instructions Discover the benefits of everbearing red raspberries, known for their dual harvests, sweet flavor, and versatility in the kitchen.](https://www.arborday.org/planting-your-tree/everbearing-red-raspberry-bush-planting-care-instructions) | |||||||||
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