Tree Planting Tips

Trees are essential to our health and well-being, and also play an important role mitigating climate change.

A bit of planning will help you plant your trees properly to ensure they thrive and survive. Learn about the best time to plant, handling and storing trees, planting techniques and caring for your trees. Trees require four basic elements to thrive: water, nutrients, sunlight and room to grow. You can help your tree survive by following these tips:

Tree planting in Southern Ontario

• Inspect the site where you'd like to plant your tree. Try to determine what kind of soil you have - knowing your soil type will help you decide on the best tree for your site.
• Choose a native tree species that will thrive in your region of Ontario. The Ontario Tree Atlas provides information to help you select the right tree.
• Choose an area where your tree will have adequate room to grow. Find out how large your tree might get and be aware of power lines and nearby buildings.
• Try to select an area without other plants close by, otherwise your tree will have to compete for water, sunlight, and nutrients. Room to Grow: Controlling Competition (PDF, 247 KB) provides more information.
• If you have more questions, your local garden centre or nursery might be able to help.

Planting trees when they are dormant is the best way to insure good survival and initial growth. Most trees can be planted in the spring as soon as the frost is out of the ground and before buds break open for the season. Otherwise, plant in autumn, after the leaves fall off and the buds are set before freeze-up.

The tree you choose to plant might come as a seedling with exposed roots, or as a more mature tree with roots surrounded by soil or in a pot. Here are a few tips on how to handle these fragile plants:

• Do not allow the seedlings to dry out. Remember, "if they dry, they die."
• Handle seedlings carefully. Be sure not to damage the roots or stem. Rough handling could kill your tree.
• Avoid temperature extremes. Changes in temperature, especially excessive heat, can damage your tree.
• Plant promptly once you get your tree.
• If your seedlings comes in a bag, don't open it until you're ready to plant.
• If it is necessary to store unplanted trees overnight, remove them from the bag, dip the roots in water, reseal them in the bags as quickly as possible and store them in a cool, dry location.

Proper planting will help your tree to survive.

Tree planting in Southern Ontario

• Place the seedling as upright as possible, even on hills.
• Don't plant seedlings near water holes, stumps, or rocks.
• For bare root seedlings:
  • Never leave roots exposed to the air, as they can dry out and die within minutes.
  • Dig a deep enough hole to accommodate the roots spread out well and oriented straight up and down (not all bunched up).
  • The swelling that marks the transition between stem and roots (root collar) should be at ground level.
• For potted or burlap wrapped seedlings:
  • Be sure to remove all packaging material from around the roots even if it appears to be biodegradable.
  • Ensure the seedling is planted at the same depth as it was in the pot.
  • A shallow 1 to 2 cm dish shaped impression can be left around the planted seedling to contain mulch and provide water catchment.
• Never bury the branches.
• Do not trim roots. Seedlings need every single tiny root.
• Pack the soil well, but don't over pack it. Press gently but firmly to prevent shocking the roots. Air pockets can kill roots.
• If you're planting more than one tree, don't put them too close together. Some types of trees require more space than others, so check with an expert if you aren't sure.

• Download Careful Handling and Planting of Nursery Stock (PDF, 188 KB) or Clearing the Way: Preparing the Site for Tree Planting (PDF, 96 KB) for more information, or ask at your local nursery or garden centre.
• When you buy your tree, ask for instructions on maintaining it. Ensure your tree gets enough water and care.