🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 76 (from laksa039)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa076.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps","crawl_time":1775768709,"first_indexed_time":1712439619,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,budgetdumpster!www,\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps s443","src_root_hash":"181461670364223276","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Plant Trees in 5 Easy Steps | Budget Dumpster","meta_descriptions":["When it comes to eco-friendly home improvements, planting a tree is about as green as it gets. Learn how to plant trees like a pro in five simple steps, with expert tips from the Arbor Day Foundation."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"How to Plant Trees in Your Backyard\nProject Overview\nTime to Complete\nLess than 1 day\nHow to Plant a Tree\nPlanting trees in the backyard is a great way to add beauty, shade and privacy to any landscape. But if done incorrectly, your new greenery might not make it through the winter. That’s why the best way to plant a tree is to do it right the first time.\nIf you’re not sure how to plant trees correctly, don’t worry. Our step-by-step guide, complete with tree planting tips from the Arbor Day Foundation and other urban forestry experts, will show you how it’s done.\nShare\nHow to Plant a Tree Step by Step\nTree Planting Tools and Materials\nShovel\nTrowel\nPruning shears\nMulch\nTree stakes (optional)\n1. Find the Right Spot\nOne of the most important tree planting tips is to create a solid foundation for your new foliage. To find the best spot for your tree to grow and thrive, you’ll want to know a few things about your tree first.\nThe City of Pella, Iowa recently rolled out a \n2018 Tree Rebate program\nto encourage urban tree planting. We asked Community Services Director Jeanette Vaughan about things to keep in mind when choosing a spot for a tree:\nTree Planting Tips: Know Your Tree’s Requirements\n \nSunlight\n: Sunlight helps trees photosynthesize. Some trees need full sunlight (more than six hours a day), while others can live with less. Find a spot that provides enough light for your tree.\nMoisture\n: To keep a tree’s roots healthy, it’s important to plant them in an area with the right moisture levels. If your tree needs drier soil, find a spot in your yard that’s well drained. If it prefers soil that’s wetter, place it in the lowest spot of your yard, where rainwater collects.\nHeight\n: “Trees GROW,” says Vaughan. “Keep in mind the mature size of the tree when picking a location for planting. Stay away from power lines and underground utilities.”\nCanopy\n: The canopy is the top layer of leafy cover on your tree. Some tree’s canopies can grow to be very wide, so make sure your tree has room to grow up and out.\nRoot Spread\n: A tree’s roots can be large and powerful. They can even cause\nfoundation damage\nif planted too closely to your home. “Keep your tree away from the edges of sidewalks or driveways so that the roots do not heave your concrete or asphalt,” says Vaughan. “Roots also like to grow into water and sewer lines so steer clear of those areas as well.”\n \nJeanette Vaughan |\nCity of Pella, Iowa\nShare\nAdditionally, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be planting bare-root trees or planting container trees.\nWe asked the experts at the Arbor Day Foundation to explain the pros and cons of each:\nBare-Root Trees\nPros\nCons\n• Less expensive\n• Easier to package and ship\n• Better for bulk plantings\n• Less digging required\n• Sensitive to handling (drying of roots)\n• Limited seasonal availability\n• Must be planted immediately\nContainer Trees\nPros\nCons\n• Available longer throughout the year\n• Soil provides protection for roots\n• Larger sizes available\n• Wide species palette available\n• More expensive\n• Heavier, harder to transport\n• Needs larger hole\n• More sensitive to planting depth\n• Often have poor root structures\n• Can require more care after planting\nShare\nWhere to Plant Trees in Your Yard\nPlanning ahead can be tricky, especially if you are planting little trees that will eventually sprout into 60-foot-tall monstrosities that blot out the sun. Besides that, if you end up planting your trees too close to the home you run the risk of having your foundation cracked as the tree’s roots grow and expand over time. Here are a few quick tips to follow when planting trees in your yard:\nIf planting trees that will grow to 60 feet or higher, make sure they’re at least 35 feet away from your home. This will give their roots room to grow without damaging the foundation of your home.\nTake note of fire hydrants and utility poles, generally keeping 15 feet away from either.\nCall your local utility companies and have them mark your gas, electric and sewer lines so you don’t accidentally rupture something important.\n2. Dig the Hole\nWhen it comes to the perfect tree planting hole: “Wider is better, deeper is not!” says Smith.\nDigging For Bare-Root Trees:\nYour hole should be large enough for its roots, but should not be deeper than the graft union. The graft union is the large notch on the trunk near the base of the tree – it’s the point\nwhere your tree was grafted\nonto another plant’s rootstock.\nDigging For Container Trees:\nThe hole needs to be wide enough to allow the roots to grow, but shallow enough to let oxygen and sunlight to reach the tree’s base.\nTo find the perfect depth for your container tree, measure the root ball, says Bryan Spencer. Spencer is the Parks & Forestry Superintendent of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, a city that has been nationally recognized as a\nTree City USA Community\nby the Arbor Day Foundation since 1993.\nTree Planting Tips: Measure the Root Ball to Find the Right Depth\n \n\"Make the hole\ntwo to three times wider\nthan the size of the ball. Find the root flare - the place where your tree begins to widen at the base - and measure from there to the bottom of the ball. That should be the depth of your hole, minus about an inch to allow for watering and settling. Lay a shovel handle over the hole to make sure the ground hits the tree below the root flare.\"\n \nBryan Spencer |\nOconomowoc Forestry Division\nShare\nIf you're in the middle of a landscaping overhaul, there are many ways to dispose of the bramble.\nFind the best yard waste disposal solution for your backyard makeover.\n3. Prepare the Roots\nThe health of your tree’s roots will determine the health of your tree down the line, so this step is key for knowing how to plant trees successfully.\nRoot Prep for Planting Container Trees:\nLoosen the root ball to promote strong growth after planting. If the roots are tightly coiled around each other,\nprune the bottom of the root ball\nuntil they are free. This will prevent circling roots, which can starve the tree of water and important nutrients.\nRoot Prep for Planting Bare-Root Trees:\nSoak the roots in water for one to two hours before planting. If the roots are extremely dry, soak them overnight. Do not soak them for longer than 12 hours. Prune the roots just before planting to encourage new growth.\nTree Planting Tips: Don't Carry Container Trees by the Trunk\n \n\"Handle container trees carefully by the root ball. If you jostle the trunk around, you could break up the root ball. Once the root ball is broken up, it exposes the roots to air which can dry out the tree and create stability issues.”\n \nBryan Spencer | Oconomowoc Forestry Division\nShare\n4. Plant Your Tree\nNow it’s time for the main event – planting your tree.\nBefore filling in the soil, make sure the tree is completely straight. Have a friend walk around while you hold the tree in place to ensure it isn’t leaning to one side.\nHow to Plant Container Trees:\nPlace the root ball into the hole.\nMake sure the trunk flare – where your tree begins to widen at the base – is above ground.\nIf your hole is too deep, partially fill it in until your tree sits at the right height.\nFirmly but gently fill in the soil around the root ball.\nHow to Plant Bare-Root Trees:\nUsing soil from the hole, build a mound in the center for your bare-root tree to sit on.\nPosition the roots on top of the mound.\nDump soil on top of the roots, leaving no air pockets.\nFirmly but gently fill in the remaining soil, keeping the graft union uncovered.\nTree Planting Tips: Common Tree Planting Mistakes\n \nPlanting the Root Ball Too Deep:\nThe first tree roots should be visible at ground line.\nAdding Fertilizer:\nYour new tree won’t want to expand its roots beyond the rich soil, which can stunt its growth. “Just use the soil from the hole,” says Smith.\nNot Watering Right Away:\nThe planting process is a stressful ordeal for a new tree; be sure to water it immediately after planting.\nNot Protecting the Trunk:\nRemove all grass near the trunk and add mulch to protect it from mowers and string trimmers.\n \nPete Smith | Arbor Day Foundation\nShare\n5. Mulch and Water Your Tree\nOnce you’ve filled in your soil, it’s time to give your tree a little TLC.\nCreate a ring of mulch around, but not over, the base of your tree. “So many homeowners create a ‘volcano’ of mulch around the trunk, but this can harm the tree down the line,” says Spencer.\n“Create a donut of mulch around the tree instead.”\nWater your tree generously inside the mulch ring. This will concentrate the water near the base of the tree and help release the mulch’s nutrients into the soil. Watering your new tree thoroughly can also remove air pockets that might have occurred during the planting process.\nTree Planting Tips: Don't Stake Your Tree Down Unless Necessary\n \n\"Generally, you don't need to stake trees. But if you do, \ndo not stake it for longer than one year.\nIf you do, it won’t allow your tree to develop a flexible trunk. This can create a weakness point in the trunk which can cause it to snap during high winds.”\n \nBryan Spencer | Oconomowoc Forestry Division\nShare\nDirt piling up from your weekend of tree planting?\nLearn efficient, cost-effective methods for dirt disposal.\nTree Planting Guide: Frequently Asked Questions\nHow much does it cost to plant a tree?\nPlanting a tree is a fairly\ninexpensive backyard project\n. Most of the costs are in buying the tree itself, which can range from as low as $20 to $100 or more, depending on the tree and the nursery you purchase from.\nTree maintenance and pruning can be expensive if your tree ends up becoming too large for its location or is not suited for your local climate. To keep maintenance costs low, purchase a tree that will do well without much extra help. “The best advice for beginners is to choose trees that are native to the area in which they live,” says Vaughan.\n“Check with your local Department of Natural Resources, as they typically have tree lists available that can help folks pick the best tree for their area.”\nWhat’s the best time to plant container trees?\nContainer trees should be planted in the spring or fall, well before summer or winter temperatures set in. This allows your tree’s roots to take hold without the stress of seasonal highs and lows taking their toll.\nWhat’s the best time to plant bare-root trees?\nEarly spring or late fall. Bare-root trees must be planted while dormant after their leaves drop and before their buds sprout. Because bare-root trees have no soil to protect their roots, it’s important to plant them soon after receiving them. It’s a good idea to have your location picked and the hole dug before your tree arrives.\nHow often should I water my new tree?\nNewly planted trees should be watered once a day for the first two to three weeks, and then once a week for the next year. Usually, trees need about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. So, if your tree’s trunk is 2 inches around, it will need about 20 gallons of water per day.\nSince a standard garden hose pushes about\n17 gallons of water per minute\n, you will need to water your tree, using no attachments, for just over a minute to hit its daily 20-gallon minimum.\nHow do you grow a tree from a seed?\nGrowing a tree from a seed is doable, but it’s a little more complicated than you might think. Most seeds are dormant and need to be stratified before being planted. This means that they must spend time in cold, but not freezing, temperatures in order to reach their growth stage.\nThere are two ways to plant a tree from a seed: the natural method or assisted germination.\nThe Natural Method:\nSow seeds in late autumn, typically about one inch deep in the soil. This allows the seeds to undergo the stratification process naturally during the cold winter months.\nAssisted Germination:\nSeeds must be refrigerated to mimic the effect of a cold winter. Place your seeds in a sealed plastic bag with a moist paper towel and place it in the refrigerator at around 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of one to three months – the length of time will depend on your tree species.\nOnce stratification is complete, your seeds can be planted and grown wherever you’d like in your backyard. For a more in-depth tree planting guide for this method, check out these tips from the experts at Tree Help for\nhow to plant a tree from a seed\n.\nPlanting trees to add more seclusion to your backyard?\nFind out the best trees for privacy.\nPlanting Trees: The Greenest Home Improvement of All\nThere is no greener home improvement project than planting a tree. From providing homes and shade to helpful local wildlife to cleansing the air around them, the list of benefits trees provide is long.\nSo if you’re looking for a way to add beauty and value to your home while giving back to Mother Nature, it's time to start digging.\nLooking for tips on how to maintain your new foliage and the rest of your yard? Check out these additional resources:\nLooking for more how-to tips? Subscribe to our newsletter!","attrs_markdown":"[Skip To Content](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#skip-to-content)\n\nThis app works best with JavaScript enabled.\n\n[![Budget Dumpster presents The Fill Logo](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/the-fill-logo-201x163.png)](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog)\n\n- [Home Improvement & DIY](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy)\n  - [Projects by Room](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/by-room)\n  - [Remodel Planning](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/remodel-planning)\n  - [Indoor Projects](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/indoor-projects)\n  - [Outdoor Projects](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/outdoor-projects)\n- [Organization & Decluttering](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering)\n  - [Organization](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering\/all-organization)\n  - [Decluttering](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering\/decluttering)\n  - [Cleaning](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering\/cleaning)\n  - [Moving](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering\/all-moving)\n- [Greener Living](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living)\n  - [Recycling](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living\/recycling)\n  - [Energy Efficiency](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living\/energy-efficiency)\n  - [Conservation](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living\/conservation)\n  - [Partnerships](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living\/partnerships)\n- [Disposal Tips](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/disposal-tips)\n  - [Disposal How-Tos](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/disposal-tips\/disposal-how-tos)\n  - [Dumpster 101](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/disposal-tips\/dumpster-101)\n\n- [Home Improvement & DIY](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy)\n  - [Projects by Room](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/by-room)\n  - [Remodel Planning](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/remodel-planning)\n  - [Indoor Projects](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/indoor-projects)\n  - [Outdoor Projects](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/outdoor-projects)\n- [Organization & Decluttering](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering)\n  - [Organization](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering\/all-organization)\n  - [Decluttering](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering\/decluttering)\n  - [Cleaning](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering\/cleaning)\n  - [Moving](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/organization-decluttering\/all-moving)\n- [Greener Living](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living)\n  - [Recycling](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living\/recycling)\n  - [Energy Efficiency](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living\/energy-efficiency)\n  - [Conservation](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living\/conservation)\n  - [Partnerships](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/greener-living\/partnerships)\n- [Disposal Tips](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/disposal-tips)\n  - [Disposal How-Tos](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/disposal-tips\/disposal-how-tos)\n  - [Dumpster 101](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/disposal-tips\/dumpster-101)\n\n[Blog](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/)\\>[Home Improvement & DIY](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/)\\>[Garden](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/home-improvement-diy\/garden\/)\\>[How to Plant Trees](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps\/)\n\n# How to Plant Trees in Your Backyard\n![Close-up of Gloved Hands Planting a Small Pine Tree](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/how-to-plant-a-tree-cover-1920x390.jpg)\n\nBy:Emily Kozak\\| Last Updated:06\/22\/2023\n\nTime to Read: 9 min\n\nTable of Contents\n\n[Find a Spot](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#find-spot)[Dig a Hole](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#dig-hole)[Prepare the Roots](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#prepare-roots)[Plant the Tree](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#plant-tree)[Mulch and Water](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#mulch-water)\n\nProject Overview\n\nDifficulty\n\n[Intermediate](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/intermediate-projects)\n\nTime to Complete\n\nLess than 1 day\n\nProject Cost\n\n[\\$](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/low-cost-projects)\n\n## How to Plant a Tree\nPlanting trees in the backyard is a great way to add beauty, shade and privacy to any landscape. But if done incorrectly, your new greenery might not make it through the winter. That’s why the best way to plant a tree is to do it right the first time.\n\nIf you’re not sure how to plant trees correctly, don’t worry. Our step-by-step guide, complete with tree planting tips from the Arbor Day Foundation and other urban forestry experts, will show you how it’s done.\n\nShare\n## How to Plant a Tree Step by Step\n### Tree Planting Tools and Materials\n- Shovel\n- Trowel\n- Pruning shears\n- Mulch\n- Tree stakes (optional)\n\n![Open Backyard With Vinyl White Fence]()\n\n![Open Backyard With Vinyl White Fence](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/best-place-to-plant-trees-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 1\\. Find the Right Spot\nOne of the most important tree planting tips is to create a solid foundation for your new foliage. To find the best spot for your tree to grow and thrive, you’ll want to know a few things about your tree first.\n\nThe City of Pella, Iowa recently rolled out a [2018 Tree Rebate program](https:\/\/www.cityofpella.com\/439\/Trees) to encourage urban tree planting. We asked Community Services Director Jeanette Vaughan about things to keep in mind when choosing a spot for a tree:\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon]()\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/bd-quote-icon.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Know Your Tree’s Requirements**\n\n**Sunlight**: Sunlight helps trees photosynthesize. Some trees need full sunlight (more than six hours a day), while others can live with less. Find a spot that provides enough light for your tree.\n\n**Moisture**: To keep a tree’s roots healthy, it’s important to plant them in an area with the right moisture levels. If your tree needs drier soil, find a spot in your yard that’s well drained. If it prefers soil that’s wetter, place it in the lowest spot of your yard, where rainwater collects.\n\n**Height**: “Trees GROW,” says Vaughan. “Keep in mind the mature size of the tree when picking a location for planting. Stay away from power lines and underground utilities.”\n\n**Canopy**: The canopy is the top layer of leafy cover on your tree. Some tree’s canopies can grow to be very wide, so make sure your tree has room to grow up and out.\n\n**Root Spread**: A tree’s roots can be large and powerful. They can even cause [foundation damage](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-spot-foundation-problems\/) if planted too closely to your home. “Keep your tree away from the edges of sidewalks or driveways so that the roots do not heave your concrete or asphalt,” says Vaughan. “Roots also like to grow into water and sewer lines so steer clear of those areas as well.”  \n   \n **Jeanette Vaughan \\| [City of Pella, Iowa](https:\/\/www.cityofpella.com\/439\/Trees)**\n\nShare\n\nAdditionally, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be planting bare-root trees or planting container trees.\n\n**We asked the experts at the Arbor Day Foundation to explain the pros and cons of each:**\n\n### Bare-Root Trees\n| Pros | Cons |\n|---|---|\n| • Less expensive  • Easier to package and ship  • Better for bulk plantings  • Less digging required | • Sensitive to handling (drying of roots)  • Limited seasonal availability  • Must be planted immediately |\n\n### Container Trees\n| Pros | Cons |\n|---|---|\n| • Available longer throughout the year  • Soil provides protection for roots  • Larger sizes available  • Wide species palette available | • More expensive  • Heavier, harder to transport  • Needs larger hole  • More sensitive to planting depth  • Often have poor root structures  • Can require more care after planting |\n\n![Arbor Day Foundation Logo]()\n\n![Arbor Day Foundation Logo](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/arbor-day-foundation-logo-200x200.jpg)\n\n**Pete Smith \\| [Arbor Day Foundation](https:\/\/www.arborday.org\/)**\n\nShare\n\n### Where to Plant Trees in Your Yard\nPlanning ahead can be tricky, especially if you are planting little trees that will eventually sprout into 60-foot-tall monstrosities that blot out the sun. Besides that, if you end up planting your trees too close to the home you run the risk of having your foundation cracked as the tree’s roots grow and expand over time. Here are a few quick tips to follow when planting trees in your yard:\n\n- If planting trees that will grow to 60 feet or higher, make sure they’re at least 35 feet away from your home. This will give their roots room to grow without damaging the foundation of your home.\n- Take note of fire hydrants and utility poles, generally keeping 15 feet away from either.\n- Call your local utility companies and have them mark your gas, electric and sewer lines so you don’t accidentally rupture something important.\n\n![Digging a Tree Planting Hole Using a Shovel]()\n\n![Digging a Tree Planting Hole Using a Shovel](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/planting-a-tree-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 2\\. Dig the Hole\nWhen it comes to the perfect tree planting hole: “Wider is better, deeper is not!” says Smith.\n\n**Digging For Bare-Root Trees:** Your hole should be large enough for its roots, but should not be deeper than the graft union. The graft union is the large notch on the trunk near the base of the tree – it’s the point [where your tree was grafted](https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/grafting-glossary-scion-and-rootstock-3269516) onto another plant’s rootstock.\n\n**Digging For Container Trees:** The hole needs to be wide enough to allow the roots to grow, but shallow enough to let oxygen and sunlight to reach the tree’s base.\n\nTo find the perfect depth for your container tree, measure the root ball, says Bryan Spencer. Spencer is the Parks & Forestry Superintendent of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, a city that has been nationally recognized as a [Tree City USA Community](https:\/\/www.oconomowoc-wi.gov\/331\/Tree-City-USA-Arbor-Day) by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1993.\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon]()\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/bd-quote-icon.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Measure the Root Ball to Find the Right Depth**\n\n\"Make the hole **two to three times wider** than the size of the ball. Find the root flare - the place where your tree begins to widen at the base - and measure from there to the bottom of the ball. That should be the depth of your hole, minus about an inch to allow for watering and settling. Lay a shovel handle over the hole to make sure the ground hits the tree below the root flare.\"  \n   \n **Bryan Spencer \\| [Oconomowoc Forestry Division](https:\/\/www.oconomowoc-wi.gov\/331\/Tree-City-USA-Arbor-Day)**\n\nShare\n\n**If you're in the middle of a landscaping overhaul, there are many ways to dispose of the bramble.**  \n Find the best yard waste disposal solution for your backyard makeover.\n\n[Get the Guide](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/resources\/how-to-dispose-of-yard-waste.php)\n\n[Get the Guide](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/resources\/how-to-dispose-of-yard-waste.php)\n\n![Man Holding Tree by Root Ball While Planting Trees in Backyard]()\n\n![Man Holding Tree by Root Ball While Planting Trees in Backyard](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/how-to-plant-tree-roots-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 3\\. Prepare the Roots\nThe health of your tree’s roots will determine the health of your tree down the line, so this step is key for knowing how to plant trees successfully.\n\n**Root Prep for Planting Container Trees:** Loosen the root ball to promote strong growth after planting. If the roots are tightly coiled around each other, [prune the bottom of the root ball](https:\/\/www.weekand.com\/home-garden\/article\/trim-potted-tree-roots-18052512.php) until they are free. This will prevent circling roots, which can starve the tree of water and important nutrients.\n\n**Root Prep for Planting Bare-Root Trees:** Soak the roots in water for one to two hours before planting. If the roots are extremely dry, soak them overnight. Do not soak them for longer than 12 hours. Prune the roots just before planting to encourage new growth.\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon]()\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/bd-quote-icon.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Don't Carry Container Trees by the Trunk**\n\n\"Handle container trees carefully by the root ball. If you jostle the trunk around, you could break up the root ball. Once the root ball is broken up, it exposes the roots to air which can dry out the tree and create stability issues.”  \n   \n **Bryan Spencer \\| Oconomowoc Forestry Division**\n\nShare\n\n![Team of Volunteers Planting Trees in Backyard]()\n\n![Team of Volunteers Planting Trees in Backyard](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/team-planting-trees-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 4\\. Plant Your Tree\nNow it’s time for the main event – planting your tree.\n\nBefore filling in the soil, make sure the tree is completely straight. Have a friend walk around while you hold the tree in place to ensure it isn’t leaning to one side.\n\n### How to Plant Container Trees:\n1. Place the root ball into the hole.\n2. Make sure the trunk flare – where your tree begins to widen at the base – is above ground.\n3. If your hole is too deep, partially fill it in until your tree sits at the right height.\n4. Firmly but gently fill in the soil around the root ball.\n\n### How to Plant Bare-Root Trees:\n1. Using soil from the hole, build a mound in the center for your bare-root tree to sit on.\n2. Position the roots on top of the mound.\n3. Dump soil on top of the roots, leaving no air pockets.\n4. Firmly but gently fill in the remaining soil, keeping the graft union uncovered.\n\n![Arbor Day Foundation Logo]()\n\n![Arbor Day Foundation Logo](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/arbor-day-foundation-logo-200x200.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Common Tree Planting Mistakes**  \n   \n **Planting the Root Ball Too Deep:** The first tree roots should be visible at ground line.\n\n**Adding Fertilizer:** Your new tree won’t want to expand its roots beyond the rich soil, which can stunt its growth. “Just use the soil from the hole,” says Smith.\n\n**Not Watering Right Away:** The planting process is a stressful ordeal for a new tree; be sure to water it immediately after planting.\n\n**Not Protecting the Trunk:** Remove all grass near the trunk and add mulch to protect it from mowers and string trimmers.  \n   \n **Pete Smith \\| Arbor Day Foundation**\n\nShare\n\n![Group of People Watering a Newly Planted Tree]()\n\n![Group of People Watering a Newly Planted Tree](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/how-to-water-planted-trees-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 5\\. Mulch and Water Your Tree\nOnce you’ve filled in your soil, it’s time to give your tree a little TLC.\n\nCreate a ring of mulch around, but not over, the base of your tree. “So many homeowners create a ‘volcano’ of mulch around the trunk, but this can harm the tree down the line,” says Spencer.\n\n“Create a donut of mulch around the tree instead.”\n\nWater your tree generously inside the mulch ring. This will concentrate the water near the base of the tree and help release the mulch’s nutrients into the soil. Watering your new tree thoroughly can also remove air pockets that might have occurred during the planting process.\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon]()\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/bd-quote-icon.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Don't Stake Your Tree Down Unless Necessary**\n\n\"Generally, you don't need to stake trees. But if you do, **do not stake it for longer than one year.** If you do, it won’t allow your tree to develop a flexible trunk. This can create a weakness point in the trunk which can cause it to snap during high winds.”  \n   \n **Bryan Spencer \\| Oconomowoc Forestry Division**\n\nShare\n\n**Dirt piling up from your weekend of tree planting?**  \n Learn efficient, cost-effective methods for dirt disposal.\n\n[The Complete Dirt Disposal Guide](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/resources\/how-to-dispose-of-dirt.php)\n\n[The Complete Dirt Disposal Guide](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/resources\/how-to-dispose-of-dirt.php)\n\n![Person Placing New Tree into Planting Hole Next to Shovel]()\n\n![Person Placing New Tree into Planting Hole Next to Shovel](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/planting-new-tree-600x300.jpg)\n## Tree Planting Guide: Frequently Asked Questions\n### How much does it cost to plant a tree?\nPlanting a tree is a fairly [inexpensive backyard project](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/backyard-landscaping-ideas-on-a-budget\/). Most of the costs are in buying the tree itself, which can range from as low as \\$20 to \\$100 or more, depending on the tree and the nursery you purchase from.\n\nTree maintenance and pruning can be expensive if your tree ends up becoming too large for its location or is not suited for your local climate. To keep maintenance costs low, purchase a tree that will do well without much extra help. “The best advice for beginners is to choose trees that are native to the area in which they live,” says Vaughan.\n\n“Check with your local Department of Natural Resources, as they typically have tree lists available that can help folks pick the best tree for their area.”\n\n### What’s the best time to plant container trees?\nContainer trees should be planted in the spring or fall, well before summer or winter temperatures set in. This allows your tree’s roots to take hold without the stress of seasonal highs and lows taking their toll.\n\n### What’s the best time to plant bare-root trees?\nEarly spring or late fall. Bare-root trees must be planted while dormant after their leaves drop and before their buds sprout. Because bare-root trees have no soil to protect their roots, it’s important to plant them soon after receiving them. It’s a good idea to have your location picked and the hole dug before your tree arrives.\n\n### How often should I water my new tree?\nNewly planted trees should be watered once a day for the first two to three weeks, and then once a week for the next year. Usually, trees need about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. So, if your tree’s trunk is 2 inches around, it will need about 20 gallons of water per day.\n\nSince a standard garden hose pushes about [17 gallons of water per minute](https:\/\/www.hunker.com\/12474071\/how-much-water-goes-through-a-garden-hose-per-minute), you will need to water your tree, using no attachments, for just over a minute to hit its daily 20-gallon minimum.\n\n### How do you grow a tree from a seed?\nGrowing a tree from a seed is doable, but it’s a little more complicated than you might think. Most seeds are dormant and need to be stratified before being planted. This means that they must spend time in cold, but not freezing, temperatures in order to reach their growth stage.\n\nThere are two ways to plant a tree from a seed: the natural method or assisted germination.\n\n**The Natural Method:** Sow seeds in late autumn, typically about one inch deep in the soil. This allows the seeds to undergo the stratification process naturally during the cold winter months.\n\n**Assisted Germination:** Seeds must be refrigerated to mimic the effect of a cold winter. Place your seeds in a sealed plastic bag with a moist paper towel and place it in the refrigerator at around 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of one to three months – the length of time will depend on your tree species.\n\nOnce stratification is complete, your seeds can be planted and grown wherever you’d like in your backyard. For a more in-depth tree planting guide for this method, check out these tips from the experts at Tree Help for [how to plant a tree from a seed](https:\/\/www.treehelp.com\/pages\/how-to-grow-a-tree-or-shrub-from-seed).\n\n**Planting trees to add more seclusion to your backyard?**  \n Find out the best trees for privacy.\n\n[Learn the Top 11 Privacy Trees](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/best-trees-for-privacy\/)\n\n[Learn the Top 11 Privacy Trees](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/best-trees-for-privacy\/)\n\n![Large, Leafy Tree Planted in Yard]()\n\n![Large, Leafy Tree Planted in Yard](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/newly-planted-tree-600x300.jpg)\n\n## Planting Trees: The Greenest Home Improvement of All\nThere is no greener home improvement project than planting a tree. From providing homes and shade to helpful local wildlife to cleansing the air around them, the list of benefits trees provide is long.\n\nSo if you’re looking for a way to add beauty and value to your home while giving back to Mother Nature, it's time to start digging.\n\nLooking for tips on how to maintain your new foliage and the rest of your yard? Check out these additional resources:\n\n[![Multicolored Flower Bed on Green Lawn]() ![Multicolored Flower Bed on Green Lawn](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/how-to-redo-flower-bed-cover-thumbnail-400x200.jpg)](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-redo-flower-bed\/)\n\n[How to Redo a Flower Bed](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-redo-flower-bed\/)\n\nby[Liz Kane](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/author\/lkane\/)\n\n[![Colorful Vegetables in a Wood Box]() ![Colorful Vegetables in a Wood Box](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/how-to-start-urban-farm-thumbnail-400x200.jpg)](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-start-urban-farm\/)\n\n[How to Start an Urban Farm](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-start-urban-farm\/)\n\nbySara Cifani\n\n[![Wooden Raised Garden Bed]() ![Wooden Raised Garden Bed](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/how-to-build-rasied-garden-bed-thumbnail-400x200.jpg)](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-build-raised-garden-bed)\n\n[How to Build and Plant a Raised Garden Bed](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-build-raised-garden-bed)\n\nby[Meghan Paynter](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/author\/mpaynter\/)\n### Looking for more how-to tips? Subscribe to our newsletter\\!\n\n#### Roll Off Dumpsters\n***\n- [Roll Off Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/roll-off-dumpsters.php)\n- [10 Yard Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/budget-dumpster-sizes\/ten-yard-dumpster.php)\n- [12 Yard Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/budget-dumpster-sizes\/twelve-yard-dumpster.php)\n- [15 Yard Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/budget-dumpster-sizes\/fifteen-yard-dumpster.php)\n- [20 Yard Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/budget-dumpster-sizes\/twenty-yard-dumpster.php)\n- [30 Yard Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/budget-dumpster-sizes\/thirty-yard-dumpster.php)\n- [40 Yard Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/budget-dumpster-sizes\/forty-yard-dumpster.php)\n- [All Roll Off Sizes](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/budget-dumpster-sizes.php)\n- [Roll Off Pricing](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/pricing.php)\n\n#### Services\n***\n- [Residential Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/dumpsters-for-property-owners.php)\n- [Home Cleanouts](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/dumpsters-for-home-cleanouts.php)\n- [Renovation Debris](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/renovation-debris-removal.php)\n- [Storm Debris](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/storm-debris-removal.php)\n- [Moving](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/dumpsters-for-moving.php)\n- [Contractor Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/dumpsters-for-contractors.php)\n- [Commercial Dumpsters](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/commercial-dumpsters.php)\n- [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/rental-terms-and-conditions.php)\n\n#### Support\n***\n- [Order Online](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/cart)\n- [Request a Quote](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/request-a-quote-from-budget-dumpster.php)\n- [Service Dashboard](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/manage)\n- [Service Areas](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/dumpster-rental-locations.php)\n- [Become a Hauling Partner](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/become-a-hauler.php)\n- [Dumpster Rental 101](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/dumpster-rental-101.php)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/resources\/faqs.php)\n- [Website Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/terms-of-use)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/privacy-policy.php)\n- [U.S. State Privacy Rights](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/privacy-policy\/us-state-law-disclosure)\n- [Privacy Requests](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/privacy-policy\/data-request)\n- [Limit the Use of Sensitive Personal Info](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/privacy-policy\/data-request)\n\n#### Company\n***\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/about-budget-dumpster.php)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/contact-budget-dumpster.php)\n- [Reviews](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/about-budget-dumpster\/reviews.php)\n- [Media Room](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/about-budget-dumpster\/media-room.php)\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/sitemap)\n\n#### Social\n***\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/budgetdumpster\/)\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/budget.dumpster)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/budgetdumpster\/)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/budget-dumpster-rental)\n- [X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/BudgetDumpster)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/budgetdumpster)\n\n***\nBudget Dumpster has a [TrustPilot](https:\/\/www.trustpilot.com\/review\/budgetdumpster.com) rating of 4.1\/5   \n based on 5963 ratings and reviews.\n***\n[Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/privacy-policy.php \"disclaimer\") \\| [Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/disclaimer.php \"disclaimer\") \\| [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps)\n\n©2026 [Budget Dumpster](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/) and BudgetDumpster.com, a brand of [Dumpsters.com](https:\/\/www.dumpsters.com\/). All Rights Reserved.\n\nBudget Dumpster assists individuals, commercial and industrial customers by assessing their disposal needs and facilitating the delivery of waste removal services, including the provision of the necessary dumpster equipment.","attrs_readable_markdown":"How to Plant Trees in Your Backyard\n\n![Close-up of Gloved Hands Planting a Small Pine Tree](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/how-to-plant-a-tree-cover-1920x390.jpg)\n\nProject Overview\n\nTime to Complete\n\nLess than 1 day\n\n## How to Plant a Tree\nPlanting trees in the backyard is a great way to add beauty, shade and privacy to any landscape. But if done incorrectly, your new greenery might not make it through the winter. That’s why the best way to plant a tree is to do it right the first time. If you’re not sure how to plant trees correctly, don’t worry. Our step-by-step guide, complete with tree planting tips from the Arbor Day Foundation and other urban forestry experts, will show you how it’s done.\n\nShare\n\nHow to Plant a Tree Step by Step\n\n### Tree Planting Tools and Materials\nShovel Trowel Pruning shears Mulch Tree stakes (optional)\n\n![Open Backyard With Vinyl White Fence](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/best-place-to-plant-trees-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 1\\. Find the Right Spot\nOne of the most important tree planting tips is to create a solid foundation for your new foliage. To find the best spot for your tree to grow and thrive, you’ll want to know a few things about your tree first. The City of Pella, Iowa recently rolled out a [2018 Tree Rebate program](https:\/\/www.cityofpella.com\/439\/Trees) to encourage urban tree planting. We asked Community Services Director Jeanette Vaughan about things to keep in mind when choosing a spot for a tree:\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/bd-quote-icon.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Know Your Tree’s Requirements** **Sunlight**: Sunlight helps trees photosynthesize. Some trees need full sunlight (more than six hours a day), while others can live with less. Find a spot that provides enough light for your tree. **Moisture**: To keep a tree’s roots healthy, it’s important to plant them in an area with the right moisture levels. If your tree needs drier soil, find a spot in your yard that’s well drained. If it prefers soil that’s wetter, place it in the lowest spot of your yard, where rainwater collects. **Height**: “Trees GROW,” says Vaughan. “Keep in mind the mature size of the tree when picking a location for planting. Stay away from power lines and underground utilities.” **Canopy**: The canopy is the top layer of leafy cover on your tree. Some tree’s canopies can grow to be very wide, so make sure your tree has room to grow up and out. **Root Spread**: A tree’s roots can be large and powerful. They can even cause [foundation damage](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/how-to-spot-foundation-problems\/) if planted too closely to your home. “Keep your tree away from the edges of sidewalks or driveways so that the roots do not heave your concrete or asphalt,” says Vaughan. “Roots also like to grow into water and sewer lines so steer clear of those areas as well.” **Jeanette Vaughan \\| [City of Pella, Iowa](https:\/\/www.cityofpella.com\/439\/Trees)**\n\nShare\n\nAdditionally, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be planting bare-root trees or planting container trees. **We asked the experts at the Arbor Day Foundation to explain the pros and cons of each:**\n\n### Bare-Root Trees\n| Pros | Cons |\n|---|---|\n| • Less expensive  • Easier to package and ship  • Better for bulk plantings  • Less digging required | • Sensitive to handling (drying of roots)  • Limited seasonal availability  • Must be planted immediately |\n\n### Container Trees\n| Pros | Cons |\n|---|---|\n| • Available longer throughout the year  • Soil provides protection for roots  • Larger sizes available  • Wide species palette available | • More expensive  • Heavier, harder to transport  • Needs larger hole  • More sensitive to planting depth  • Often have poor root structures  • Can require more care after planting |\n\nShare\n\n### Where to Plant Trees in Your Yard\nPlanning ahead can be tricky, especially if you are planting little trees that will eventually sprout into 60-foot-tall monstrosities that blot out the sun. Besides that, if you end up planting your trees too close to the home you run the risk of having your foundation cracked as the tree’s roots grow and expand over time. Here are a few quick tips to follow when planting trees in your yard: If planting trees that will grow to 60 feet or higher, make sure they’re at least 35 feet away from your home. This will give their roots room to grow without damaging the foundation of your home. Take note of fire hydrants and utility poles, generally keeping 15 feet away from either. Call your local utility companies and have them mark your gas, electric and sewer lines so you don’t accidentally rupture something important.\n\n![Digging a Tree Planting Hole Using a Shovel](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/planting-a-tree-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 2\\. Dig the Hole\nWhen it comes to the perfect tree planting hole: “Wider is better, deeper is not!” says Smith. **Digging For Bare-Root Trees:** Your hole should be large enough for its roots, but should not be deeper than the graft union. The graft union is the large notch on the trunk near the base of the tree – it’s the point [where your tree was grafted](https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/grafting-glossary-scion-and-rootstock-3269516) onto another plant’s rootstock. **Digging For Container Trees:** The hole needs to be wide enough to allow the roots to grow, but shallow enough to let oxygen and sunlight to reach the tree’s base. To find the perfect depth for your container tree, measure the root ball, says Bryan Spencer. Spencer is the Parks & Forestry Superintendent of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, a city that has been nationally recognized as a [Tree City USA Community](https:\/\/www.oconomowoc-wi.gov\/331\/Tree-City-USA-Arbor-Day) by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1993.\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/bd-quote-icon.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Measure the Root Ball to Find the Right Depth** \"Make the hole **two to three times wider** than the size of the ball. Find the root flare - the place where your tree begins to widen at the base - and measure from there to the bottom of the ball. That should be the depth of your hole, minus about an inch to allow for watering and settling. Lay a shovel handle over the hole to make sure the ground hits the tree below the root flare.\" **Bryan Spencer \\| [Oconomowoc Forestry Division](https:\/\/www.oconomowoc-wi.gov\/331\/Tree-City-USA-Arbor-Day)**\n\nShare\n\n**If you're in the middle of a landscaping overhaul, there are many ways to dispose of the bramble.**  \n Find the best yard waste disposal solution for your backyard makeover.\n\n![Man Holding Tree by Root Ball While Planting Trees in Backyard](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/how-to-plant-tree-roots-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 3\\. Prepare the Roots\nThe health of your tree’s roots will determine the health of your tree down the line, so this step is key for knowing how to plant trees successfully. **Root Prep for Planting Container Trees:** Loosen the root ball to promote strong growth after planting. If the roots are tightly coiled around each other, [prune the bottom of the root ball](https:\/\/www.weekand.com\/home-garden\/article\/trim-potted-tree-roots-18052512.php) until they are free. This will prevent circling roots, which can starve the tree of water and important nutrients. **Root Prep for Planting Bare-Root Trees:** Soak the roots in water for one to two hours before planting. If the roots are extremely dry, soak them overnight. Do not soak them for longer than 12 hours. Prune the roots just before planting to encourage new growth.\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/bd-quote-icon.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Don't Carry Container Trees by the Trunk** \"Handle container trees carefully by the root ball. If you jostle the trunk around, you could break up the root ball. Once the root ball is broken up, it exposes the roots to air which can dry out the tree and create stability issues.” **Bryan Spencer \\| Oconomowoc Forestry Division**\n\nShare\n\n![Team of Volunteers Planting Trees in Backyard](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/team-planting-trees-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 4\\. Plant Your Tree\nNow it’s time for the main event – planting your tree. Before filling in the soil, make sure the tree is completely straight. Have a friend walk around while you hold the tree in place to ensure it isn’t leaning to one side.\n\n### How to Plant Container Trees:\nPlace the root ball into the hole. Make sure the trunk flare – where your tree begins to widen at the base – is above ground. If your hole is too deep, partially fill it in until your tree sits at the right height. Firmly but gently fill in the soil around the root ball.\n\n### How to Plant Bare-Root Trees:\nUsing soil from the hole, build a mound in the center for your bare-root tree to sit on. Position the roots on top of the mound. Dump soil on top of the roots, leaving no air pockets. Firmly but gently fill in the remaining soil, keeping the graft union uncovered.\n\n![Arbor Day Foundation Logo](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/arbor-day-foundation-logo-200x200.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Common Tree Planting Mistakes** **Planting the Root Ball Too Deep:** The first tree roots should be visible at ground line. **Adding Fertilizer:** Your new tree won’t want to expand its roots beyond the rich soil, which can stunt its growth. “Just use the soil from the hole,” says Smith. **Not Watering Right Away:** The planting process is a stressful ordeal for a new tree; be sure to water it immediately after planting. **Not Protecting the Trunk:** Remove all grass near the trunk and add mulch to protect it from mowers and string trimmers. **Pete Smith \\| Arbor Day Foundation**\n\nShare\n\n![Group of People Watering a Newly Planted Tree](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/how-to-water-planted-trees-600x300.jpg)\n\n## 5\\. Mulch and Water Your Tree\nOnce you’ve filled in your soil, it’s time to give your tree a little TLC. Create a ring of mulch around, but not over, the base of your tree. “So many homeowners create a ‘volcano’ of mulch around the trunk, but this can harm the tree down the line,” says Spencer. “Create a donut of mulch around the tree instead.” Water your tree generously inside the mulch ring. This will concentrate the water near the base of the tree and help release the mulch’s nutrients into the soil. Watering your new tree thoroughly can also remove air pockets that might have occurred during the planting process.\n\n![Quotation Mark Icon](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/bd-quote-icon.png)\n\n**Tree Planting Tips: Don't Stake Your Tree Down Unless Necessary** \"Generally, you don't need to stake trees. But if you do, **do not stake it for longer than one year.** If you do, it won’t allow your tree to develop a flexible trunk. This can create a weakness point in the trunk which can cause it to snap during high winds.” **Bryan Spencer \\| Oconomowoc Forestry Division**\n\nShare\n\n**Dirt piling up from your weekend of tree planting?**  \n Learn efficient, cost-effective methods for dirt disposal.\n\n![Person Placing New Tree into Planting Hole Next to Shovel](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/planting-new-tree-600x300.jpg)\n\nTree Planting Guide: Frequently Asked Questions\n\n### How much does it cost to plant a tree?\nPlanting a tree is a fairly [inexpensive backyard project](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/blog\/backyard-landscaping-ideas-on-a-budget\/). Most of the costs are in buying the tree itself, which can range from as low as \\$20 to \\$100 or more, depending on the tree and the nursery you purchase from. Tree maintenance and pruning can be expensive if your tree ends up becoming too large for its location or is not suited for your local climate. To keep maintenance costs low, purchase a tree that will do well without much extra help. “The best advice for beginners is to choose trees that are native to the area in which they live,” says Vaughan. “Check with your local Department of Natural Resources, as they typically have tree lists available that can help folks pick the best tree for their area.”\n\n### What’s the best time to plant container trees?\nContainer trees should be planted in the spring or fall, well before summer or winter temperatures set in. This allows your tree’s roots to take hold without the stress of seasonal highs and lows taking their toll.\n\n### What’s the best time to plant bare-root trees?\nEarly spring or late fall. Bare-root trees must be planted while dormant after their leaves drop and before their buds sprout. Because bare-root trees have no soil to protect their roots, it’s important to plant them soon after receiving them. It’s a good idea to have your location picked and the hole dug before your tree arrives.\n\n### How often should I water my new tree?\nNewly planted trees should be watered once a day for the first two to three weeks, and then once a week for the next year. Usually, trees need about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. So, if your tree’s trunk is 2 inches around, it will need about 20 gallons of water per day. Since a standard garden hose pushes about [17 gallons of water per minute](https:\/\/www.hunker.com\/12474071\/how-much-water-goes-through-a-garden-hose-per-minute), you will need to water your tree, using no attachments, for just over a minute to hit its daily 20-gallon minimum.\n\n### How do you grow a tree from a seed?\nGrowing a tree from a seed is doable, but it’s a little more complicated than you might think. Most seeds are dormant and need to be stratified before being planted. This means that they must spend time in cold, but not freezing, temperatures in order to reach their growth stage. There are two ways to plant a tree from a seed: the natural method or assisted germination. **The Natural Method:** Sow seeds in late autumn, typically about one inch deep in the soil. This allows the seeds to undergo the stratification process naturally during the cold winter months. **Assisted Germination:** Seeds must be refrigerated to mimic the effect of a cold winter. Place your seeds in a sealed plastic bag with a moist paper towel and place it in the refrigerator at around 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of one to three months – the length of time will depend on your tree species. Once stratification is complete, your seeds can be planted and grown wherever you’d like in your backyard. For a more in-depth tree planting guide for this method, check out these tips from the experts at Tree Help for [how to plant a tree from a seed](https:\/\/www.treehelp.com\/pages\/how-to-grow-a-tree-or-shrub-from-seed).\n\n**Planting trees to add more seclusion to your backyard?**  \n Find out the best trees for privacy.\n\n![Large, Leafy Tree Planted in Yard](https:\/\/www.budgetdumpster.com\/images\/blog\/newly-planted-tree-600x300.jpg)\n\n## Planting Trees: The Greenest Home Improvement of All\nThere is no greener home improvement project than planting a tree. From providing homes and shade to helpful local wildlife to cleansing the air around them, the list of benefits trees provide is long. So if you’re looking for a way to add beauty and value to your home while giving back to Mother Nature, it's time to start digging. Looking for tips on how to maintain your new foliage and the rest of your yard? Check out these additional resources:\n### Looking for more how-to tips? Subscribe to our newsletter\\!","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

4 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.2 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps
Last Crawled	2026-04-09 21:05:09 (4 days ago)
First Indexed	2024-04-06 21:40:19 (2 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	How to Plant Trees in 5 Easy Steps \| Budget Dumpster
Meta Description	When it comes to eco-friendly home improvements, planting a tree is about as green as it gets. Learn how to plant trees like a pro in five simple steps, with expert tips from the Arbor Day Foundation.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	How to Plant Trees in Your Backyard Project Overview Time to Complete Less than 1 day How to Plant a Tree Planting trees in the backyard is a great way to add beauty, shade and privacy to any landscape. But if done incorrectly, your new greenery might not make it through the winter. That’s why the best way to plant a tree is to do it right the first time. If you’re not sure how to plant trees correctly, don’t worry. Our step-by-step guide, complete with tree planting tips from the Arbor Day Foundation and other urban forestry experts, will show you how it’s done. Share How to Plant a Tree Step by Step Tree Planting Tools and Materials Shovel Trowel Pruning shears Mulch Tree stakes (optional) 1. Find the Right Spot One of the most important tree planting tips is to create a solid foundation for your new foliage. To find the best spot for your tree to grow and thrive, you’ll want to know a few things about your tree first. The City of Pella, Iowa recently rolled out a 2018 Tree Rebate program to encourage urban tree planting. We asked Community Services Director Jeanette Vaughan about things to keep in mind when choosing a spot for a tree: Tree Planting Tips: Know Your Tree’s Requirements Sunlight : Sunlight helps trees photosynthesize. Some trees need full sunlight (more than six hours a day), while others can live with less. Find a spot that provides enough light for your tree. Moisture : To keep a tree’s roots healthy, it’s important to plant them in an area with the right moisture levels. If your tree needs drier soil, find a spot in your yard that’s well drained. If it prefers soil that’s wetter, place it in the lowest spot of your yard, where rainwater collects. Height : “Trees GROW,” says Vaughan. “Keep in mind the mature size of the tree when picking a location for planting. Stay away from power lines and underground utilities.” Canopy : The canopy is the top layer of leafy cover on your tree. Some tree’s canopies can grow to be very wide, so make sure your tree has room to grow up and out. Root Spread : A tree’s roots can be large and powerful. They can even cause foundation damage if planted too closely to your home. “Keep your tree away from the edges of sidewalks or driveways so that the roots do not heave your concrete or asphalt,” says Vaughan. “Roots also like to grow into water and sewer lines so steer clear of those areas as well.” Jeanette Vaughan \| City of Pella, Iowa Share Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be planting bare-root trees or planting container trees. We asked the experts at the Arbor Day Foundation to explain the pros and cons of each: Bare-Root Trees Pros Cons • Less expensive • Easier to package and ship • Better for bulk plantings • Less digging required • Sensitive to handling (drying of roots) • Limited seasonal availability • Must be planted immediately Container Trees Pros Cons • Available longer throughout the year • Soil provides protection for roots • Larger sizes available • Wide species palette available • More expensive • Heavier, harder to transport • Needs larger hole • More sensitive to planting depth • Often have poor root structures • Can require more care after planting Share Where to Plant Trees in Your Yard Planning ahead can be tricky, especially if you are planting little trees that will eventually sprout into 60-foot-tall monstrosities that blot out the sun. Besides that, if you end up planting your trees too close to the home you run the risk of having your foundation cracked as the tree’s roots grow and expand over time. Here are a few quick tips to follow when planting trees in your yard: If planting trees that will grow to 60 feet or higher, make sure they’re at least 35 feet away from your home. This will give their roots room to grow without damaging the foundation of your home. Take note of fire hydrants and utility poles, generally keeping 15 feet away from either. Call your local utility companies and have them mark your gas, electric and sewer lines so you don’t accidentally rupture something important. 2. Dig the Hole When it comes to the perfect tree planting hole: “Wider is better, deeper is not!” says Smith. Digging For Bare-Root Trees: Your hole should be large enough for its roots, but should not be deeper than the graft union. The graft union is the large notch on the trunk near the base of the tree – it’s the point where your tree was grafted onto another plant’s rootstock. Digging For Container Trees: The hole needs to be wide enough to allow the roots to grow, but shallow enough to let oxygen and sunlight to reach the tree’s base. To find the perfect depth for your container tree, measure the root ball, says Bryan Spencer. Spencer is the Parks & Forestry Superintendent of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, a city that has been nationally recognized as a Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1993. Tree Planting Tips: Measure the Root Ball to Find the Right Depth "Make the hole two to three times wider than the size of the ball. Find the root flare - the place where your tree begins to widen at the base - and measure from there to the bottom of the ball. That should be the depth of your hole, minus about an inch to allow for watering and settling. Lay a shovel handle over the hole to make sure the ground hits the tree below the root flare." Bryan Spencer \| Oconomowoc Forestry Division Share If you're in the middle of a landscaping overhaul, there are many ways to dispose of the bramble. Find the best yard waste disposal solution for your backyard makeover. 3. Prepare the Roots The health of your tree’s roots will determine the health of your tree down the line, so this step is key for knowing how to plant trees successfully. Root Prep for Planting Container Trees: Loosen the root ball to promote strong growth after planting. If the roots are tightly coiled around each other, prune the bottom of the root ball until they are free. This will prevent circling roots, which can starve the tree of water and important nutrients. Root Prep for Planting Bare-Root Trees: Soak the roots in water for one to two hours before planting. If the roots are extremely dry, soak them overnight. Do not soak them for longer than 12 hours. Prune the roots just before planting to encourage new growth. Tree Planting Tips: Don't Carry Container Trees by the Trunk "Handle container trees carefully by the root ball. If you jostle the trunk around, you could break up the root ball. Once the root ball is broken up, it exposes the roots to air which can dry out the tree and create stability issues.” Bryan Spencer \| Oconomowoc Forestry Division Share 4. Plant Your Tree Now it’s time for the main event – planting your tree. Before filling in the soil, make sure the tree is completely straight. Have a friend walk around while you hold the tree in place to ensure it isn’t leaning to one side. How to Plant Container Trees: Place the root ball into the hole. Make sure the trunk flare – where your tree begins to widen at the base – is above ground. If your hole is too deep, partially fill it in until your tree sits at the right height. Firmly but gently fill in the soil around the root ball. How to Plant Bare-Root Trees: Using soil from the hole, build a mound in the center for your bare-root tree to sit on. Position the roots on top of the mound. Dump soil on top of the roots, leaving no air pockets. Firmly but gently fill in the remaining soil, keeping the graft union uncovered. Tree Planting Tips: Common Tree Planting Mistakes Planting the Root Ball Too Deep: The first tree roots should be visible at ground line. Adding Fertilizer: Your new tree won’t want to expand its roots beyond the rich soil, which can stunt its growth. “Just use the soil from the hole,” says Smith. Not Watering Right Away: The planting process is a stressful ordeal for a new tree; be sure to water it immediately after planting. Not Protecting the Trunk: Remove all grass near the trunk and add mulch to protect it from mowers and string trimmers. Pete Smith \| Arbor Day Foundation Share 5. Mulch and Water Your Tree Once you’ve filled in your soil, it’s time to give your tree a little TLC. Create a ring of mulch around, but not over, the base of your tree. “So many homeowners create a ‘volcano’ of mulch around the trunk, but this can harm the tree down the line,” says Spencer. “Create a donut of mulch around the tree instead.” Water your tree generously inside the mulch ring. This will concentrate the water near the base of the tree and help release the mulch’s nutrients into the soil. Watering your new tree thoroughly can also remove air pockets that might have occurred during the planting process. Tree Planting Tips: Don't Stake Your Tree Down Unless Necessary "Generally, you don't need to stake trees. But if you do, do not stake it for longer than one year. If you do, it won’t allow your tree to develop a flexible trunk. This can create a weakness point in the trunk which can cause it to snap during high winds.” Bryan Spencer \| Oconomowoc Forestry Division Share Dirt piling up from your weekend of tree planting? Learn efficient, cost-effective methods for dirt disposal. Tree Planting Guide: Frequently Asked Questions How much does it cost to plant a tree? Planting a tree is a fairly inexpensive backyard project . Most of the costs are in buying the tree itself, which can range from as low as $20 to $100 or more, depending on the tree and the nursery you purchase from. Tree maintenance and pruning can be expensive if your tree ends up becoming too large for its location or is not suited for your local climate. To keep maintenance costs low, purchase a tree that will do well without much extra help. “The best advice for beginners is to choose trees that are native to the area in which they live,” says Vaughan. “Check with your local Department of Natural Resources, as they typically have tree lists available that can help folks pick the best tree for their area.” What’s the best time to plant container trees? Container trees should be planted in the spring or fall, well before summer or winter temperatures set in. This allows your tree’s roots to take hold without the stress of seasonal highs and lows taking their toll. What’s the best time to plant bare-root trees? Early spring or late fall. Bare-root trees must be planted while dormant after their leaves drop and before their buds sprout. Because bare-root trees have no soil to protect their roots, it’s important to plant them soon after receiving them. It’s a good idea to have your location picked and the hole dug before your tree arrives. How often should I water my new tree? Newly planted trees should be watered once a day for the first two to three weeks, and then once a week for the next year. Usually, trees need about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. So, if your tree’s trunk is 2 inches around, it will need about 20 gallons of water per day. Since a standard garden hose pushes about 17 gallons of water per minute , you will need to water your tree, using no attachments, for just over a minute to hit its daily 20-gallon minimum. How do you grow a tree from a seed? Growing a tree from a seed is doable, but it’s a little more complicated than you might think. Most seeds are dormant and need to be stratified before being planted. This means that they must spend time in cold, but not freezing, temperatures in order to reach their growth stage. There are two ways to plant a tree from a seed: the natural method or assisted germination. The Natural Method: Sow seeds in late autumn, typically about one inch deep in the soil. This allows the seeds to undergo the stratification process naturally during the cold winter months. Assisted Germination: Seeds must be refrigerated to mimic the effect of a cold winter. Place your seeds in a sealed plastic bag with a moist paper towel and place it in the refrigerator at around 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of one to three months – the length of time will depend on your tree species. Once stratification is complete, your seeds can be planted and grown wherever you’d like in your backyard. For a more in-depth tree planting guide for this method, check out these tips from the experts at Tree Help for how to plant a tree from a seed . Planting trees to add more seclusion to your backyard? Find out the best trees for privacy. Planting Trees: The Greenest Home Improvement of All There is no greener home improvement project than planting a tree. From providing homes and shade to helpful local wildlife to cleansing the air around them, the list of benefits trees provide is long. So if you’re looking for a way to add beauty and value to your home while giving back to Mother Nature, it's time to start digging. Looking for tips on how to maintain your new foliage and the rest of your yard? Check out these additional resources: Looking for more how-to tips? Subscribe to our newsletter!
Markdown	[Skip To Content](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#skip-to-content) This app works best with JavaScript enabled. [![Budget Dumpster presents The Fill Logo](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/the-fill-logo-201x163.png)](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog) - [Home Improvement & DIY](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy) - [Projects by Room](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/by-room) - [Remodel Planning](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/remodel-planning) - [Indoor Projects](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/indoor-projects) - [Outdoor Projects](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/outdoor-projects) - [Organization & Decluttering](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering) - [Organization](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering/all-organization) - [Decluttering](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering/decluttering) - [Cleaning](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering/cleaning) - [Moving](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering/all-moving) - [Greener Living](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living) - [Recycling](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living/recycling) - [Energy Efficiency](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living/energy-efficiency) - [Conservation](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living/conservation) - [Partnerships](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living/partnerships) - [Disposal Tips](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/disposal-tips) - [Disposal How-Tos](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/disposal-tips/disposal-how-tos) - [Dumpster 101](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/disposal-tips/dumpster-101) - [Home Improvement & DIY](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy) - [Projects by Room](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/by-room) - [Remodel Planning](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/remodel-planning) - [Indoor Projects](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/indoor-projects) - [Outdoor Projects](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/outdoor-projects) - [Organization & Decluttering](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering) - [Organization](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering/all-organization) - [Decluttering](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering/decluttering) - [Cleaning](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering/cleaning) - [Moving](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/organization-decluttering/all-moving) - [Greener Living](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living) - [Recycling](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living/recycling) - [Energy Efficiency](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living/energy-efficiency) - [Conservation](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living/conservation) - [Partnerships](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/greener-living/partnerships) - [Disposal Tips](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/disposal-tips) - [Disposal How-Tos](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/disposal-tips/disposal-how-tos) - [Dumpster 101](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/disposal-tips/dumpster-101) [Blog](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/)\>[Home Improvement & DIY](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/)\>[Garden](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/home-improvement-diy/garden/)\>[How to Plant Trees](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps/) # How to Plant Trees in Your Backyard ![Close-up of Gloved Hands Planting a Small Pine Tree](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/how-to-plant-a-tree-cover-1920x390.jpg) By:Emily Kozak\\| Last Updated:06/22/2023 Time to Read: 9 min Table of Contents [Find a Spot](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#find-spot)[Dig a Hole](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#dig-hole)[Prepare the Roots](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#prepare-roots)[Plant the Tree](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#plant-tree)[Mulch and Water](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps#mulch-water) Project Overview Difficulty [Intermediate](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/intermediate-projects) Time to Complete Less than 1 day Project Cost [\$](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/low-cost-projects) ## How to Plant a Tree Planting trees in the backyard is a great way to add beauty, shade and privacy to any landscape. But if done incorrectly, your new greenery might not make it through the winter. That’s why the best way to plant a tree is to do it right the first time. If you’re not sure how to plant trees correctly, don’t worry. Our step-by-step guide, complete with tree planting tips from the Arbor Day Foundation and other urban forestry experts, will show you how it’s done. Share ## How to Plant a Tree Step by Step ### Tree Planting Tools and Materials - Shovel - Trowel - Pruning shears - Mulch - Tree stakes (optional) ![Open Backyard With Vinyl White Fence]() ![Open Backyard With Vinyl White Fence](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/best-place-to-plant-trees-600x300.jpg) ## 1\. Find the Right Spot One of the most important tree planting tips is to create a solid foundation for your new foliage. To find the best spot for your tree to grow and thrive, you’ll want to know a few things about your tree first. The City of Pella, Iowa recently rolled out a [2018 Tree Rebate program](https://www.cityofpella.com/439/Trees) to encourage urban tree planting. We asked Community Services Director Jeanette Vaughan about things to keep in mind when choosing a spot for a tree: ![Quotation Mark Icon]() ![Quotation Mark Icon](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/bd-quote-icon.png) Tree Planting Tips: Know Your Tree’s Requirements Sunlight: Sunlight helps trees photosynthesize. Some trees need full sunlight (more than six hours a day), while others can live with less. Find a spot that provides enough light for your tree. Moisture: To keep a tree’s roots healthy, it’s important to plant them in an area with the right moisture levels. If your tree needs drier soil, find a spot in your yard that’s well drained. If it prefers soil that’s wetter, place it in the lowest spot of your yard, where rainwater collects. Height: “Trees GROW,” says Vaughan. “Keep in mind the mature size of the tree when picking a location for planting. Stay away from power lines and underground utilities.” Canopy: The canopy is the top layer of leafy cover on your tree. Some tree’s canopies can grow to be very wide, so make sure your tree has room to grow up and out. Root Spread: A tree’s roots can be large and powerful. They can even cause [foundation damage](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-spot-foundation-problems/) if planted too closely to your home. “Keep your tree away from the edges of sidewalks or driveways so that the roots do not heave your concrete or asphalt,” says Vaughan. “Roots also like to grow into water and sewer lines so steer clear of those areas as well.” Jeanette Vaughan \\| [City of Pella, Iowa](https://www.cityofpella.com/439/Trees) Share Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be planting bare-root trees or planting container trees. We asked the experts at the Arbor Day Foundation to explain the pros and cons of each: ### Bare-Root Trees \| Pros \| Cons \| \|---\|---\| \| • Less expensive • Easier to package and ship • Better for bulk plantings • Less digging required \| • Sensitive to handling (drying of roots) • Limited seasonal availability • Must be planted immediately \| ### Container Trees \| Pros \| Cons \| \|---\|---\| \| • Available longer throughout the year • Soil provides protection for roots • Larger sizes available • Wide species palette available \| • More expensive • Heavier, harder to transport • Needs larger hole • More sensitive to planting depth • Often have poor root structures • Can require more care after planting \| ![Arbor Day Foundation Logo]() ![Arbor Day Foundation Logo](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/arbor-day-foundation-logo-200x200.jpg) Pete Smith \\| [Arbor Day Foundation](https://www.arborday.org/) Share ### Where to Plant Trees in Your Yard Planning ahead can be tricky, especially if you are planting little trees that will eventually sprout into 60-foot-tall monstrosities that blot out the sun. Besides that, if you end up planting your trees too close to the home you run the risk of having your foundation cracked as the tree’s roots grow and expand over time. Here are a few quick tips to follow when planting trees in your yard: - If planting trees that will grow to 60 feet or higher, make sure they’re at least 35 feet away from your home. This will give their roots room to grow without damaging the foundation of your home. - Take note of fire hydrants and utility poles, generally keeping 15 feet away from either. - Call your local utility companies and have them mark your gas, electric and sewer lines so you don’t accidentally rupture something important. ![Digging a Tree Planting Hole Using a Shovel]() ![Digging a Tree Planting Hole Using a Shovel](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/planting-a-tree-600x300.jpg) ## 2\. Dig the Hole When it comes to the perfect tree planting hole: “Wider is better, deeper is not!” says Smith. Digging For Bare-Root Trees: Your hole should be large enough for its roots, but should not be deeper than the graft union. The graft union is the large notch on the trunk near the base of the tree – it’s the point [where your tree was grafted](https://www.thespruce.com/grafting-glossary-scion-and-rootstock-3269516) onto another plant’s rootstock. Digging For Container Trees: The hole needs to be wide enough to allow the roots to grow, but shallow enough to let oxygen and sunlight to reach the tree’s base. To find the perfect depth for your container tree, measure the root ball, says Bryan Spencer. Spencer is the Parks & Forestry Superintendent of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, a city that has been nationally recognized as a [Tree City USA Community](https://www.oconomowoc-wi.gov/331/Tree-City-USA-Arbor-Day) by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1993. ![Quotation Mark Icon]() ![Quotation Mark Icon](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/bd-quote-icon.png) Tree Planting Tips: Measure the Root Ball to Find the Right Depth "Make the hole two to three times wider than the size of the ball. Find the root flare - the place where your tree begins to widen at the base - and measure from there to the bottom of the ball. That should be the depth of your hole, minus about an inch to allow for watering and settling. Lay a shovel handle over the hole to make sure the ground hits the tree below the root flare." Bryan Spencer \\| [Oconomowoc Forestry Division](https://www.oconomowoc-wi.gov/331/Tree-City-USA-Arbor-Day) Share If you're in the middle of a landscaping overhaul, there are many ways to dispose of the bramble. Find the best yard waste disposal solution for your backyard makeover. [Get the Guide](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/resources/how-to-dispose-of-yard-waste.php) [Get the Guide](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/resources/how-to-dispose-of-yard-waste.php) ![Man Holding Tree by Root Ball While Planting Trees in Backyard]() ![Man Holding Tree by Root Ball While Planting Trees in Backyard](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/how-to-plant-tree-roots-600x300.jpg) ## 3\. Prepare the Roots The health of your tree’s roots will determine the health of your tree down the line, so this step is key for knowing how to plant trees successfully. Root Prep for Planting Container Trees: Loosen the root ball to promote strong growth after planting. If the roots are tightly coiled around each other, [prune the bottom of the root ball](https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/trim-potted-tree-roots-18052512.php) until they are free. This will prevent circling roots, which can starve the tree of water and important nutrients. Root Prep for Planting Bare-Root Trees: Soak the roots in water for one to two hours before planting. If the roots are extremely dry, soak them overnight. Do not soak them for longer than 12 hours. Prune the roots just before planting to encourage new growth. ![Quotation Mark Icon]() ![Quotation Mark Icon](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/bd-quote-icon.png) Tree Planting Tips: Don't Carry Container Trees by the Trunk "Handle container trees carefully by the root ball. If you jostle the trunk around, you could break up the root ball. Once the root ball is broken up, it exposes the roots to air which can dry out the tree and create stability issues.” Bryan Spencer \\| Oconomowoc Forestry Division Share ![Team of Volunteers Planting Trees in Backyard]() ![Team of Volunteers Planting Trees in Backyard](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/team-planting-trees-600x300.jpg) ## 4\. Plant Your Tree Now it’s time for the main event – planting your tree. Before filling in the soil, make sure the tree is completely straight. Have a friend walk around while you hold the tree in place to ensure it isn’t leaning to one side. ### How to Plant Container Trees: 1. Place the root ball into the hole. 2. Make sure the trunk flare – where your tree begins to widen at the base – is above ground. 3. If your hole is too deep, partially fill it in until your tree sits at the right height. 4. Firmly but gently fill in the soil around the root ball. ### How to Plant Bare-Root Trees: 1. Using soil from the hole, build a mound in the center for your bare-root tree to sit on. 2. Position the roots on top of the mound. 3. Dump soil on top of the roots, leaving no air pockets. 4. Firmly but gently fill in the remaining soil, keeping the graft union uncovered. ![Arbor Day Foundation Logo]() ![Arbor Day Foundation Logo](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/arbor-day-foundation-logo-200x200.png) Tree Planting Tips: Common Tree Planting Mistakes Planting the Root Ball Too Deep: The first tree roots should be visible at ground line. Adding Fertilizer: Your new tree won’t want to expand its roots beyond the rich soil, which can stunt its growth. “Just use the soil from the hole,” says Smith. Not Watering Right Away: The planting process is a stressful ordeal for a new tree; be sure to water it immediately after planting. Not Protecting the Trunk: Remove all grass near the trunk and add mulch to protect it from mowers and string trimmers. Pete Smith \\| Arbor Day Foundation Share ![Group of People Watering a Newly Planted Tree]() ![Group of People Watering a Newly Planted Tree](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/how-to-water-planted-trees-600x300.jpg) ## 5\. Mulch and Water Your Tree Once you’ve filled in your soil, it’s time to give your tree a little TLC. Create a ring of mulch around, but not over, the base of your tree. “So many homeowners create a ‘volcano’ of mulch around the trunk, but this can harm the tree down the line,” says Spencer. “Create a donut of mulch around the tree instead.” Water your tree generously inside the mulch ring. This will concentrate the water near the base of the tree and help release the mulch’s nutrients into the soil. Watering your new tree thoroughly can also remove air pockets that might have occurred during the planting process. ![Quotation Mark Icon]() ![Quotation Mark Icon](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/bd-quote-icon.png) Tree Planting Tips: Don't Stake Your Tree Down Unless Necessary "Generally, you don't need to stake trees. But if you do, do not stake it for longer than one year. If you do, it won’t allow your tree to develop a flexible trunk. This can create a weakness point in the trunk which can cause it to snap during high winds.” Bryan Spencer \\| Oconomowoc Forestry Division Share Dirt piling up from your weekend of tree planting? Learn efficient, cost-effective methods for dirt disposal. [The Complete Dirt Disposal Guide](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/resources/how-to-dispose-of-dirt.php) [The Complete Dirt Disposal Guide](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/resources/how-to-dispose-of-dirt.php) ![Person Placing New Tree into Planting Hole Next to Shovel]() ![Person Placing New Tree into Planting Hole Next to Shovel](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/planting-new-tree-600x300.jpg) ## Tree Planting Guide: Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does it cost to plant a tree? Planting a tree is a fairly [inexpensive backyard project](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/backyard-landscaping-ideas-on-a-budget/). Most of the costs are in buying the tree itself, which can range from as low as \$20 to \$100 or more, depending on the tree and the nursery you purchase from. Tree maintenance and pruning can be expensive if your tree ends up becoming too large for its location or is not suited for your local climate. To keep maintenance costs low, purchase a tree that will do well without much extra help. “The best advice for beginners is to choose trees that are native to the area in which they live,” says Vaughan. “Check with your local Department of Natural Resources, as they typically have tree lists available that can help folks pick the best tree for their area.” ### What’s the best time to plant container trees? Container trees should be planted in the spring or fall, well before summer or winter temperatures set in. This allows your tree’s roots to take hold without the stress of seasonal highs and lows taking their toll. ### What’s the best time to plant bare-root trees? Early spring or late fall. Bare-root trees must be planted while dormant after their leaves drop and before their buds sprout. Because bare-root trees have no soil to protect their roots, it’s important to plant them soon after receiving them. It’s a good idea to have your location picked and the hole dug before your tree arrives. ### How often should I water my new tree? Newly planted trees should be watered once a day for the first two to three weeks, and then once a week for the next year. Usually, trees need about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. So, if your tree’s trunk is 2 inches around, it will need about 20 gallons of water per day. Since a standard garden hose pushes about [17 gallons of water per minute](https://www.hunker.com/12474071/how-much-water-goes-through-a-garden-hose-per-minute), you will need to water your tree, using no attachments, for just over a minute to hit its daily 20-gallon minimum. ### How do you grow a tree from a seed? Growing a tree from a seed is doable, but it’s a little more complicated than you might think. Most seeds are dormant and need to be stratified before being planted. This means that they must spend time in cold, but not freezing, temperatures in order to reach their growth stage. There are two ways to plant a tree from a seed: the natural method or assisted germination. The Natural Method: Sow seeds in late autumn, typically about one inch deep in the soil. This allows the seeds to undergo the stratification process naturally during the cold winter months. Assisted Germination: Seeds must be refrigerated to mimic the effect of a cold winter. Place your seeds in a sealed plastic bag with a moist paper towel and place it in the refrigerator at around 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of one to three months – the length of time will depend on your tree species. Once stratification is complete, your seeds can be planted and grown wherever you’d like in your backyard. For a more in-depth tree planting guide for this method, check out these tips from the experts at Tree Help for [how to plant a tree from a seed](https://www.treehelp.com/pages/how-to-grow-a-tree-or-shrub-from-seed). Planting trees to add more seclusion to your backyard? Find out the best trees for privacy. [Learn the Top 11 Privacy Trees](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/best-trees-for-privacy/) [Learn the Top 11 Privacy Trees](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/best-trees-for-privacy/) ![Large, Leafy Tree Planted in Yard]() ![Large, Leafy Tree Planted in Yard](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/newly-planted-tree-600x300.jpg) ## Planting Trees: The Greenest Home Improvement of All There is no greener home improvement project than planting a tree. From providing homes and shade to helpful local wildlife to cleansing the air around them, the list of benefits trees provide is long. So if you’re looking for a way to add beauty and value to your home while giving back to Mother Nature, it's time to start digging. Looking for tips on how to maintain your new foliage and the rest of your yard? Check out these additional resources: [![Multicolored Flower Bed on Green Lawn]() ![Multicolored Flower Bed on Green Lawn](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/how-to-redo-flower-bed-cover-thumbnail-400x200.jpg)](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-redo-flower-bed/) [How to Redo a Flower Bed](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-redo-flower-bed/) by[Liz Kane](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/author/lkane/) [![Colorful Vegetables in a Wood Box]() ![Colorful Vegetables in a Wood Box](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/how-to-start-urban-farm-thumbnail-400x200.jpg)](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-start-urban-farm/) [How to Start an Urban Farm](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-start-urban-farm/) bySara Cifani [![Wooden Raised Garden Bed]() ![Wooden Raised Garden Bed](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/how-to-build-rasied-garden-bed-thumbnail-400x200.jpg)](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-build-raised-garden-bed) [How to Build and Plant a Raised Garden Bed](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-build-raised-garden-bed) by[Meghan Paynter](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/author/mpaynter/) ### Looking for more how-to tips? Subscribe to our newsletter\! #### Roll Off Dumpsters * - [Roll Off Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/roll-off-dumpsters.php) - [10 Yard Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/budget-dumpster-sizes/ten-yard-dumpster.php) - [12 Yard Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/budget-dumpster-sizes/twelve-yard-dumpster.php) - [15 Yard Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/budget-dumpster-sizes/fifteen-yard-dumpster.php) - [20 Yard Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/budget-dumpster-sizes/twenty-yard-dumpster.php) - [30 Yard Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/budget-dumpster-sizes/thirty-yard-dumpster.php) - [40 Yard Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/budget-dumpster-sizes/forty-yard-dumpster.php) - [All Roll Off Sizes](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/budget-dumpster-sizes.php) - [Roll Off Pricing](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/pricing.php) #### Services * - [Residential Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/dumpsters-for-property-owners.php) - [Home Cleanouts](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/dumpsters-for-home-cleanouts.php) - [Renovation Debris](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/renovation-debris-removal.php) - [Storm Debris](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/storm-debris-removal.php) - [Moving](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/dumpsters-for-moving.php) - [Contractor Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/dumpsters-for-contractors.php) - [Commercial Dumpsters](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/commercial-dumpsters.php) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/rental-terms-and-conditions.php) #### Support * - [Order Online](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/cart) - [Request a Quote](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/request-a-quote-from-budget-dumpster.php) - [Service Dashboard](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/manage) - [Service Areas](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/dumpster-rental-locations.php) - [Become a Hauling Partner](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/become-a-hauler.php) - [Dumpster Rental 101](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/dumpster-rental-101.php) - [FAQs](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/resources/faqs.php) - [Website Terms of Use](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/terms-of-use) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/privacy-policy.php) - [U.S. State Privacy Rights](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/privacy-policy/us-state-law-disclosure) - [Privacy Requests](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/privacy-policy/data-request) - [Limit the Use of Sensitive Personal Info](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/privacy-policy/data-request) #### Company * - [About Us](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/about-budget-dumpster.php) - [Contact Us](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/contact-budget-dumpster.php) - [Reviews](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/about-budget-dumpster/reviews.php) - [Media Room](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/about-budget-dumpster/media-room.php) - [Sitemap](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/sitemap) #### Social * - [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/budgetdumpster/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/budget.dumpster) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/budgetdumpster/) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/budget-dumpster-rental) - [X](https://twitter.com/BudgetDumpster) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/budgetdumpster) * Budget Dumpster has a [TrustPilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/budgetdumpster.com) rating of 4.1/5 based on 5963 ratings and reviews. *** [Privacy Policy](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/privacy-policy.php "disclaimer") \\| [Disclaimer](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/disclaimer.php "disclaimer") \\| [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps) ©2026 [Budget Dumpster](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/) and BudgetDumpster.com, a brand of [Dumpsters.com](https://www.dumpsters.com/). All Rights Reserved. Budget Dumpster assists individuals, commercial and industrial customers by assessing their disposal needs and facilitating the delivery of waste removal services, including the provision of the necessary dumpster equipment.
Readable Markdown	How to Plant Trees in Your Backyard ![Close-up of Gloved Hands Planting a Small Pine Tree](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/how-to-plant-a-tree-cover-1920x390.jpg) Project Overview Time to Complete Less than 1 day ## How to Plant a Tree Planting trees in the backyard is a great way to add beauty, shade and privacy to any landscape. But if done incorrectly, your new greenery might not make it through the winter. That’s why the best way to plant a tree is to do it right the first time. If you’re not sure how to plant trees correctly, don’t worry. Our step-by-step guide, complete with tree planting tips from the Arbor Day Foundation and other urban forestry experts, will show you how it’s done. Share How to Plant a Tree Step by Step ### Tree Planting Tools and Materials Shovel Trowel Pruning shears Mulch Tree stakes (optional) ![Open Backyard With Vinyl White Fence](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/best-place-to-plant-trees-600x300.jpg) ## 1\. Find the Right Spot One of the most important tree planting tips is to create a solid foundation for your new foliage. To find the best spot for your tree to grow and thrive, you’ll want to know a few things about your tree first. The City of Pella, Iowa recently rolled out a [2018 Tree Rebate program](https://www.cityofpella.com/439/Trees) to encourage urban tree planting. We asked Community Services Director Jeanette Vaughan about things to keep in mind when choosing a spot for a tree: ![Quotation Mark Icon](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/bd-quote-icon.png) Tree Planting Tips: Know Your Tree’s Requirements Sunlight: Sunlight helps trees photosynthesize. Some trees need full sunlight (more than six hours a day), while others can live with less. Find a spot that provides enough light for your tree. Moisture: To keep a tree’s roots healthy, it’s important to plant them in an area with the right moisture levels. If your tree needs drier soil, find a spot in your yard that’s well drained. If it prefers soil that’s wetter, place it in the lowest spot of your yard, where rainwater collects. Height: “Trees GROW,” says Vaughan. “Keep in mind the mature size of the tree when picking a location for planting. Stay away from power lines and underground utilities.” Canopy: The canopy is the top layer of leafy cover on your tree. Some tree’s canopies can grow to be very wide, so make sure your tree has room to grow up and out. Root Spread: A tree’s roots can be large and powerful. They can even cause [foundation damage](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/how-to-spot-foundation-problems/) if planted too closely to your home. “Keep your tree away from the edges of sidewalks or driveways so that the roots do not heave your concrete or asphalt,” says Vaughan. “Roots also like to grow into water and sewer lines so steer clear of those areas as well.” Jeanette Vaughan \\| [City of Pella, Iowa](https://www.cityofpella.com/439/Trees) Share Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be planting bare-root trees or planting container trees. We asked the experts at the Arbor Day Foundation to explain the pros and cons of each: ### Bare-Root Trees \| Pros \| Cons \| \|---\|---\| \| • Less expensive • Easier to package and ship • Better for bulk plantings • Less digging required \| • Sensitive to handling (drying of roots) • Limited seasonal availability • Must be planted immediately \| ### Container Trees \| Pros \| Cons \| \|---\|---\| \| • Available longer throughout the year • Soil provides protection for roots • Larger sizes available • Wide species palette available \| • More expensive • Heavier, harder to transport • Needs larger hole • More sensitive to planting depth • Often have poor root structures • Can require more care after planting \| Share ### Where to Plant Trees in Your Yard Planning ahead can be tricky, especially if you are planting little trees that will eventually sprout into 60-foot-tall monstrosities that blot out the sun. Besides that, if you end up planting your trees too close to the home you run the risk of having your foundation cracked as the tree’s roots grow and expand over time. Here are a few quick tips to follow when planting trees in your yard: If planting trees that will grow to 60 feet or higher, make sure they’re at least 35 feet away from your home. This will give their roots room to grow without damaging the foundation of your home. Take note of fire hydrants and utility poles, generally keeping 15 feet away from either. Call your local utility companies and have them mark your gas, electric and sewer lines so you don’t accidentally rupture something important. ![Digging a Tree Planting Hole Using a Shovel](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/planting-a-tree-600x300.jpg) ## 2\. Dig the Hole When it comes to the perfect tree planting hole: “Wider is better, deeper is not!” says Smith. Digging For Bare-Root Trees: Your hole should be large enough for its roots, but should not be deeper than the graft union. The graft union is the large notch on the trunk near the base of the tree – it’s the point [where your tree was grafted](https://www.thespruce.com/grafting-glossary-scion-and-rootstock-3269516) onto another plant’s rootstock. Digging For Container Trees: The hole needs to be wide enough to allow the roots to grow, but shallow enough to let oxygen and sunlight to reach the tree’s base. To find the perfect depth for your container tree, measure the root ball, says Bryan Spencer. Spencer is the Parks & Forestry Superintendent of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, a city that has been nationally recognized as a [Tree City USA Community](https://www.oconomowoc-wi.gov/331/Tree-City-USA-Arbor-Day) by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1993. ![Quotation Mark Icon](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/bd-quote-icon.png) Tree Planting Tips: Measure the Root Ball to Find the Right Depth "Make the hole two to three times wider than the size of the ball. Find the root flare - the place where your tree begins to widen at the base - and measure from there to the bottom of the ball. That should be the depth of your hole, minus about an inch to allow for watering and settling. Lay a shovel handle over the hole to make sure the ground hits the tree below the root flare." Bryan Spencer \\| [Oconomowoc Forestry Division](https://www.oconomowoc-wi.gov/331/Tree-City-USA-Arbor-Day) Share If you're in the middle of a landscaping overhaul, there are many ways to dispose of the bramble. Find the best yard waste disposal solution for your backyard makeover. ![Man Holding Tree by Root Ball While Planting Trees in Backyard](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/how-to-plant-tree-roots-600x300.jpg) ## 3\. Prepare the Roots The health of your tree’s roots will determine the health of your tree down the line, so this step is key for knowing how to plant trees successfully. Root Prep for Planting Container Trees: Loosen the root ball to promote strong growth after planting. If the roots are tightly coiled around each other, [prune the bottom of the root ball](https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/trim-potted-tree-roots-18052512.php) until they are free. This will prevent circling roots, which can starve the tree of water and important nutrients. Root Prep for Planting Bare-Root Trees: Soak the roots in water for one to two hours before planting. If the roots are extremely dry, soak them overnight. Do not soak them for longer than 12 hours. Prune the roots just before planting to encourage new growth. ![Quotation Mark Icon](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/bd-quote-icon.png) Tree Planting Tips: Don't Carry Container Trees by the Trunk "Handle container trees carefully by the root ball. If you jostle the trunk around, you could break up the root ball. Once the root ball is broken up, it exposes the roots to air which can dry out the tree and create stability issues.” Bryan Spencer \\| Oconomowoc Forestry Division Share ![Team of Volunteers Planting Trees in Backyard](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/team-planting-trees-600x300.jpg) ## 4\. Plant Your Tree Now it’s time for the main event – planting your tree. Before filling in the soil, make sure the tree is completely straight. Have a friend walk around while you hold the tree in place to ensure it isn’t leaning to one side. ### How to Plant Container Trees: Place the root ball into the hole. Make sure the trunk flare – where your tree begins to widen at the base – is above ground. If your hole is too deep, partially fill it in until your tree sits at the right height. Firmly but gently fill in the soil around the root ball. ### How to Plant Bare-Root Trees: Using soil from the hole, build a mound in the center for your bare-root tree to sit on. Position the roots on top of the mound. Dump soil on top of the roots, leaving no air pockets. Firmly but gently fill in the remaining soil, keeping the graft union uncovered. ![Arbor Day Foundation Logo](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/arbor-day-foundation-logo-200x200.png) Tree Planting Tips: Common Tree Planting Mistakes Planting the Root Ball Too Deep: The first tree roots should be visible at ground line. Adding Fertilizer: Your new tree won’t want to expand its roots beyond the rich soil, which can stunt its growth. “Just use the soil from the hole,” says Smith. Not Watering Right Away: The planting process is a stressful ordeal for a new tree; be sure to water it immediately after planting. Not Protecting the Trunk: Remove all grass near the trunk and add mulch to protect it from mowers and string trimmers. Pete Smith \\| Arbor Day Foundation Share ![Group of People Watering a Newly Planted Tree](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/how-to-water-planted-trees-600x300.jpg) ## 5\. Mulch and Water Your Tree Once you’ve filled in your soil, it’s time to give your tree a little TLC. Create a ring of mulch around, but not over, the base of your tree. “So many homeowners create a ‘volcano’ of mulch around the trunk, but this can harm the tree down the line,” says Spencer. “Create a donut of mulch around the tree instead.” Water your tree generously inside the mulch ring. This will concentrate the water near the base of the tree and help release the mulch’s nutrients into the soil. Watering your new tree thoroughly can also remove air pockets that might have occurred during the planting process. ![Quotation Mark Icon](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/bd-quote-icon.png) Tree Planting Tips: Don't Stake Your Tree Down Unless Necessary "Generally, you don't need to stake trees. But if you do, do not stake it for longer than one year. If you do, it won’t allow your tree to develop a flexible trunk. This can create a weakness point in the trunk which can cause it to snap during high winds.” Bryan Spencer \\| Oconomowoc Forestry Division Share Dirt piling up from your weekend of tree planting? Learn efficient, cost-effective methods for dirt disposal. ![Person Placing New Tree into Planting Hole Next to Shovel](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/planting-new-tree-600x300.jpg) Tree Planting Guide: Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does it cost to plant a tree? Planting a tree is a fairly [inexpensive backyard project](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/backyard-landscaping-ideas-on-a-budget/). Most of the costs are in buying the tree itself, which can range from as low as \$20 to \$100 or more, depending on the tree and the nursery you purchase from. Tree maintenance and pruning can be expensive if your tree ends up becoming too large for its location or is not suited for your local climate. To keep maintenance costs low, purchase a tree that will do well without much extra help. “The best advice for beginners is to choose trees that are native to the area in which they live,” says Vaughan. “Check with your local Department of Natural Resources, as they typically have tree lists available that can help folks pick the best tree for their area.” ### What’s the best time to plant container trees? Container trees should be planted in the spring or fall, well before summer or winter temperatures set in. This allows your tree’s roots to take hold without the stress of seasonal highs and lows taking their toll. ### What’s the best time to plant bare-root trees? Early spring or late fall. Bare-root trees must be planted while dormant after their leaves drop and before their buds sprout. Because bare-root trees have no soil to protect their roots, it’s important to plant them soon after receiving them. It’s a good idea to have your location picked and the hole dug before your tree arrives. ### How often should I water my new tree? Newly planted trees should be watered once a day for the first two to three weeks, and then once a week for the next year. Usually, trees need about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. So, if your tree’s trunk is 2 inches around, it will need about 20 gallons of water per day. Since a standard garden hose pushes about [17 gallons of water per minute](https://www.hunker.com/12474071/how-much-water-goes-through-a-garden-hose-per-minute), you will need to water your tree, using no attachments, for just over a minute to hit its daily 20-gallon minimum. ### How do you grow a tree from a seed? Growing a tree from a seed is doable, but it’s a little more complicated than you might think. Most seeds are dormant and need to be stratified before being planted. This means that they must spend time in cold, but not freezing, temperatures in order to reach their growth stage. There are two ways to plant a tree from a seed: the natural method or assisted germination. The Natural Method: Sow seeds in late autumn, typically about one inch deep in the soil. This allows the seeds to undergo the stratification process naturally during the cold winter months. Assisted Germination: Seeds must be refrigerated to mimic the effect of a cold winter. Place your seeds in a sealed plastic bag with a moist paper towel and place it in the refrigerator at around 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of one to three months – the length of time will depend on your tree species. Once stratification is complete, your seeds can be planted and grown wherever you’d like in your backyard. For a more in-depth tree planting guide for this method, check out these tips from the experts at Tree Help for [how to plant a tree from a seed](https://www.treehelp.com/pages/how-to-grow-a-tree-or-shrub-from-seed). Planting trees to add more seclusion to your backyard? Find out the best trees for privacy. ![Large, Leafy Tree Planted in Yard](https://www.budgetdumpster.com/images/blog/newly-planted-tree-600x300.jpg) ## Planting Trees: The Greenest Home Improvement of All There is no greener home improvement project than planting a tree. From providing homes and shade to helpful local wildlife to cleansing the air around them, the list of benefits trees provide is long. So if you’re looking for a way to add beauty and value to your home while giving back to Mother Nature, it's time to start digging. Looking for tips on how to maintain your new foliage and the rest of your yard? Check out these additional resources: ### Looking for more how-to tips? Subscribe to our newsletter\!
Shard	76 (laksa)
Root Hash	181461670364223276
Unparsed URL	com,budgetdumpster!www,/blog/how-to-plant-trees-in-5-steps s443