7 Must-Know Steps to Plant a Tree the Right Way (And Watch It Thrive!)

Planting a tree might sound simple—dig a hole, pop it in, done, right? Well, not quite. At Utah Tree Care, we’ve helped countless homeowners plant healthy, thriving trees by following these straightforward steps. If you want your tree to grow healthy and strong, then a few key things make all the difference. Follow these 7 easy tips, and you’ll set your tree up for a lifetime of shade, beauty, and maybe even a little wildlife company.

1. Find the Perfect Spot — Think Ahead

Before you grab your shovel, ask yourself: where will this tree want to grow? It needs enough room for roots and branches to spread out without running into your house, driveway, or power lines. And don’t forget about sunlight; some trees love full sun, others prefer a little shade.

Oh, and one more thing—look out for soggy spots. Standing water after rain? That’s a big no-no. Trees get cranky when their roots sit in wet feet too long.

2. Make That Hole Wide, Not Deep

Here’s a trick many don’t know: your tree’s hole should be wide and shallow. Think two to three times wider than the root ball, but just as deep as the roots themselves.

Roots like to spread sideways, so give them some elbow room. If you dig the hole too deep, the tree might settle too low and struggle for air. Planting so the root flare (that widening at its base) sits just a bit above ground helps the tree breathe better.

3. Help Those Roots Find Their Feet

Got your tree out of its pot or burlap? Great! Now peek at the roots. If they’re packing in tight circles, gently loosen them up or even trim lightly if needed.

Roots are a lot like hair—they don’t grow well when tangled up. Giving them space helps your tree send roots out into the new soil, gaining strength and stability.

4. Backfill with Original Soil — Keep It Simple

Time to fill the hole! Utah Tree Care experts recommend backfilling with the soil removed, keeping it loose around the roots.

Lightly pack the soil to fill any air pockets but skip heavy stomping. Roots like a little wiggle room to grow.

Once that’s done, give your tree a nice big drink. Water settles the soil around the roots and helps the tree say “ahh.”

5. Mulch, But Keep It Clear of the Trunk

Mulch is like a cozy blanket for your tree’s roots—it helps hold moisture, keeps weeds away, and guards against temperature swings.

But heads up — pile mulch around the base, not up against the trunk. A volcano of mulch touching the tree invites pests and rot.

6. Stake Only if You Need To

Not every tree needs staking. If your spot’s windy or unstable, a stake or two can keep that baby straight while it gains strength.

Just don’t leave the stakes on forever! Too much support can make your tree lazy, stopping it from building its own trunk toughness. Use soft ties and plan to take them off after a year.

7. Water Deep, Not Often

New trees love a deep drink—watering slowly so the soil gets soaked at least a foot down. This encourages roots to grow deep and strong, making your tree tougher in dry times.

According to Utah Tree Care’s watering guidelines, frequent shallow watering can lead to weak surface roots. Then before you water again, stick your finger in the soil—if it’s still moist, hold off a bit.

Quick Recap — Nail These and Your Tree Will Thank You

What Utah Tree Care recommends in belief:

• Find a spot with room and good drainage

• Dig a wide, shallow hole

• Loosen those roots before planting

• Backfill with original soil gently

• Mulch around, but keep the trunk clear

• Stake only if the tree wobbles

• Water deeply, not often

Stick to these simple steps, and that sapling will turn into a mighty, happy tree.

Common Questions Answered By Utah Tree Care

Why keep the root flare above soil?
So it can breathe. Trees don’t like their feet wet.

Is fertilizer necessary at planting?
Best to wait—young roots don’t like surprises.

How wide should I dig?
Two to three times as wide as the root ball is perfect.

When and why stake a tree?
Only if it truly needs help standing tall, and take stakes off after a year.

Planting right means your tree’s got the best shot at growing tall and strong. It’s a small investment in time that pays off big with shade, beauty, and a little extra life in your yard.

Got questions or want a hand? Check out Utah Tree Care — they have the expertise to make your trees flourish.

📞 Call Utah Tree Care Pros at (801) 870-0164
🌐 Visit https://utahtreecare.com/ to learn more about our plant health care services.