The Proper Way to Plant a Tree for Long-Term Health

Digging a wide hole is the key to fast establishment. Make it 2–3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball height to prevent settling.

Place the Tree

Handle the root ball carefully. Rotate so the best side faces the desired view. Cut twine and remove burlap (or push to bottom of hole).

Backfill the Hole

Backfill with original soil, lightly packing. Check trunk straightness frequently. Use leftover soil to build a watering berm. Amending backfill with organic matter shows little benefit if existing soil is decent—loose soil for root penetration matters most.

Stake the Tree

Drive stake through root ball into ground. Tie loosely to trunk—never tight. Large trees may need 2–3 stakes several feet out.

Water and Mulch

Water daily for several weeks until roots expand. Then gradually reduce. Fertilizer at planting is marginally beneficial and can harm; wait until next year. Apply 3-inch mulch layer (keep off trunk) to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Prune only broken, dead, or diseased limbs the first year.