You don’t have to be an arborist to plant trees. However, it does help to have some of their professional knowledge. Below, you’ll find information on some dos and don’ts for tree planting so you can enjoy the beauty, shade, and fruits of your efforts for many years to come.

Do’s

Plant During Cooler, Cloudy Weather

Trees do best when they are planted in cool, cloudy weather when they have a chance to take root and soak up moisture away from the hot sun. You can plant early in the morning, in the late afternoon or during a time when the area where you’re planting is shaded to ensure the tree doesn’t receive too much sun to encourage rooting.

Select Trees for a Specific Reason

Don’t pick the first tree you find at a nursery. Instead, go in with a specific tree need in mind and talk to the on-site arborist to ensure you pick species that will thrive in your yard. Opt for trees with big canopies to create shade and make your home more energy efficient. Or, select fruit trees to give your family fresh avocados, citrus or bananas. 

Don’ts

Forget to Water After Planting

It’s important to ensure that the fresh soil around your trees is properly hydrated immediately after planting. Encourage the soil to accept water directly over the roots of the trees by watering it slowly for a longer period, like a half hour or an hour. Repeating this slow watering may help the tree establish deeper roots over time. 

Place Pressure on the Soil

Avoid patting down the soil after first planting a tree. Arborists recommend leaving the soil loose and letting it settle on its own with some watering. This better suits the natural processes and makes it easier for water to seep downward in the area. Dense, packed soil can reduce the amount of water that reaches the newly planted roots, reducing the likelihood that the tree will survive. 

 

When you’re ready to start tree planting contact the skilled team at Arborist Services LLC in Hilo, HI. The reliable tree service is family-owned and -operated and made up of ISA certified arborists who can help you select trees, plant and maintain them. To learn about their wide variety of tree-related offerings call (808) 895-6537 or visit the website for information on their stump grinders, chainsaws, post-storm cleanup and crane services.