Planting and Caring for Trees: A Complete Guide

Deciduous trees are often sold bare-root during dormancy (late fall to early spring). Both deciduous and evergreen trees may also be sold balled-and-burlapped (early fall to spring) or in containers (year-round).

Watering

All trees—even drought-tolerant ones—need regular water for the first several years until roots grow deep enough to withstand dry spells. Once established, most require only infrequent irrigation.

Fertilizing

Regular fertilizing for a few years after planting encourages quick establishment by supplying nitrogen for spring growth. Once a tree is settled, it may thrive without further feeding. However, fertilize if new growth is weak, sparse, pale, or if there's unexplained dieback.

Forming a Strong Trunk

Leave lower branches on young trees for the first few years; they strengthen the trunk and shade it. Shorten side branches only if they become too vigorous, pruning during dormancy or just before spring growth. Once the trunk is at least 2 inches thick, remove lower branches gradually over several years.

Staking

A young tree develops a sturdier trunk if it can sway unsupported. Stake only in extremely windy sites or if the trunk is too weak to stand upright. Use wide, flexible ties (canvas or rubber) in a figure-8 pattern around the tree and two stakes. Allow an inch of movement. For windy sites, anchor roots with stakes and ties just a foot above ground. Remove stakes after about a year or once the tree is self-supporting.

Protecting the Trunk

Wrap the trunk of a newly planted tree to shield it from drying winds, sun, freezing temperatures, animals, and equipment damage. Use loosely tied burlap or manufactured tree wrap. Remove after one year when bark thickens; leaving it longer can girdle the trunk.