Whether you’re planting your very first tree or refreshing your landscape, proper planting makes all the difference.
The good news? A few simple planting techniques can dramatically improve your tree or shrub’s success.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to plant your new tree or shrub the right way, avoid the most common mistakes, and help your plant establish healthy roots for years to come.
Most Common Planting Mistakes
Before you plant, avoid these common issues we see most often:
Planting Too Deep
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is burying the trunk too far below the soil line. Trees and shrubs planted too deeply can struggle to establish, decline over time, or even rot at the base.
Watering Too Quickly or Too Lightly
A quick spray from the hose is usually not enough. Water needs to slowly penetrate through the entire rootball and surrounding soil.
Proper watering is just as important as proper planting. For detailed watering guidance by climate, soil type, season, and more, read our companion guide:
→ Simply Trees Guide to Watering
Fertilizing Too Soon
Freshly planted roots are sensitive. Fertilizing immediately after planting can stress or burn the roots before the plant has time to establish.
→ Simply Trees Guide to Fertilizing
Overwatering
Roots need oxygen too. Constantly soggy soil can suffocate roots and lead to root rot.
Judging the Plant Too Quickly
It’s normal for newly planted trees and shrubs to experience some transplant stress while adjusting to a new environment.
Before You Plant
Before digging, make sure your plant is suited for your climate, sunlight conditions, and available space.
A few things to check:
- Sunlight requirements
- Mature height and width
- Drainage conditions
- USDA growing zone
- Distance from structures, fences, or foundations
Plants placed in the wrong environment will struggle no matter how carefully they’re planted.
Step 1: Dig the Right Hole
Dig your hole about twice as wide as the rootball, but no deeper than the container or rootball itself.
The width helps roots spread outward into loose soil. Digging too deep can cause the plant to settle below grade over time and suffocate the roots.
The top of the rootball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
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If the trunk disappears straight into the soil like a telephone pole, your tree is planted too deep.
You should still be able to see the base of the trunk flare slightly where the trunk begins to widen near the soil line.
Step 2: Remove the Container or Burlap Properly
Carefully remove nursery pots, burlap, plastic and ties before planting.
For burlapped trees:
- Remove the burlap bag before positioning the tree in the hole.
- Natural burlap may decompose over time, but removing the material helps roots establish faster.
We often pre-trim up the rootball of our burlapped shrubs and trees to promote root growth and prevent root girdle. This helps your new plant grow outward and upward and acclimate to its new soil.
Step 3: Loosen the Rootball
Before planting, gently loosen the outer roots and soil around the rootball by hand.
Container-grown plants naturally adapt to the shape of their nursery pot over time. Loosening the rootball helps encourage roots to spread outward into the surrounding soil instead of continuing to grow in a tight circular pattern.
If you notice thicker circling roots:
- loosen them gently by hand
- separate wrapped roots if possible
- make a few shallow vertical cuts along the outer rootball if needed
Avoid planting the rootball directly into the hole without loosening it first.
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Roots should grow outward into the landscape — not continue growing in the shape of the nursery pot.
Step 4: Backfill the Hole
Place the plant in the hole and backfill using the native soil you removed.
Avoid heavily compacting the soil while backfilling. Lightly firming the soil is enough to remove major air pockets.
In many cases, using too many amendments can actually discourage roots from expanding into the surrounding native soil.
If your soil drains very poorly or contains heavy clay, improving drainage may be necessary before planting.
Step 5: Mulch Correctly
Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the planting area, but keep mulch pulled several inches away from the trunk or stems.
Avoid piling mulch directly against the trunk.
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“Mulch volcanoes” can trap excess moisture against the trunk and lead to rot, disease, and pest issues.
Step 6: Water Slowly and Deeply
Proper watering is the single most important factor after planting.
Newly planted trees and shrubs need deep watering that fully saturates the rootball and surrounding soil.
Water slowly at the base of the plant rather than spraying the foliage.
A quick surface watering is often not enough. The inside of the rootball can remain completely dry even if the soil surface appears wet.
The goal is to fully hydrate the entire root zone.
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Slow watering is better than fast watering.
Giving water time to soak deeply into the rootball is far more effective than quickly flooding the area.
Understanding Your Soil
Different soils hold water very differently.
Clay Soil
- Holds moisture longer
- Drains slowly
- Can stay wet deep below the surface even when the top looks dry
Sandy Soil
- Drains quickly
- Dries out faster
- Usually requires more frequent watering
Windy or Hot Climates
Plants may dry out much faster in:
- desert climates
- windy locations
- reflected heat areas near concrete or walls
- containers and raised planters
DO NOT Fertilize Immediately After Planting
Freshly planted trees and shrubs need time to establish roots before pushing new growth.
Applying fertilizer too soon can stress sensitive roots and lead to transplant shock, leaf burn, or decline.
Focus on proper watering first.
In many cases, waiting until the plant has had time to establish is the safest approach.
We recommend waiting at least 2-3 months before fertilizing and ONLY fertilizing in spring or early summer.
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New roots first. Fertilizer later.
Healthy root establishment is more important than rapid top growth after planting.
Should You Stake Your Tree?
Not all trees need staking.
Staking is usually only recommended for:
- top-heavy trees
- very windy areas
- loose or sandy soil
- trees unable to stand upright on their own
If staking is used:
- Allow slight natural movement
- Avoid tying too tightly
- Remove stakes after establishment
Planting in Containers
When planting in pots or planters:
- Make sure the container has drainage holes
- Use a quality well-draining potting mix
- Avoid letting containers sit in standing water
Containers dry out much faster than in-ground plantings, especially during hot weather.
Citrus, olive trees, and many patio plants particularly benefit from excellent drainage.
What’s Normal After Planting?
Some stress after planting is completely normal.
Your plant may experience:
- slight drooping
- minor leaf drop
- temporary yellowing
- slowed growth
- minor browning from shipping or transplant stress
Plants need time to adjust to:
- new soil
- new temperatures
- different sunlight exposure
- watering changes
- wind and humidity differences
Patience is important during the establishment period.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Leaves Are Wilting
Wilting can be caused by both underwatering and overwatering.
Check moisture deeper in the rootball before adding more water.
Leaves Are Yellowing
This may indicate:
- overwatering
- poor drainage
- transplant stress
- nutrient imbalance
- environmental stress
Soil Surface Looks Dry
The soil underneath may still be wet.
Always check several inches below the surface before watering again.
Plant Looks Stressed After Shipping
Minor cosmetic damage and transplant stress are common after transit and planting.
Most healthy plants recover well with proper watering and time.
Final Thoughts
Planting correctly gives your tree or shrub the best possible start.
Focus on:
- proper planting depth
- slow deep watering
- good drainage
- patience during establishment
- avoiding fertilizer too soon
Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy plant.
And remember — plants don’t establish overnight. With proper care and consistency, your new tree or shrub can thrive for years to come.
