How to Plant and Care for Young Landscape Trees

Adequate tree planting practices will show the difference between a tree that grows for decades and one that does not. Young trees are delicate in their initial several growing seasons—initial care choices have a direct influence on root growth, stability, and growth in the long term. It is more economical and saves time, money, and frustration to follow a good tree planting guide at the outset. Our experience supplying landscape trees over the years at Tree Nursery Co. has revealed that certain practices have always yielded the best results.

Why Proper Tree Planting Matters

Planting trees properly establishes the foundations of all that comes after. Incorrect planting depth, improper soil preparation, and improper choice of species create an issue that cannot be fully resolved by any further treatment.

Planted too deeply, the young trees grow roots that are oxygen-starved and then begin to decline slowly. Those planted too shallowly will dry and are easily blown out by wind and weather. Compost, active soil organisms, and healthy soils that are rich in organic matter provide roots with the environment they require to grow rapidly. Trees planted in soil prepared by Tree Nursery Co. have consistently been noted to take in about half the time when planted in compacted soil.

What to Know Before You Plant a New Tree

An effective tree planting guide begins much earlier than the hole is excavated. Creating a good match between species and your site conditions is the best way to avoid most establishment failures.

The most important considerations to make when planting trees:

• Sunlight: Determine whether the location where the plant is being planted has full sun, some shade, or deep shade during the day.
• Soil drainage: The roots of young trees planted in waterlogged soil develop root rot rapidly. Check the absorption rate by filling the hole with water and draining the test.
• Mature size: Choose species that have a mature size and spread appropriate to the available space without conflicting with overhead structures and utilities.
• Spacing: Consider the spacing of young trees to ensure that there is air circulation and that roots grow as the trees mature.

The role of trees in creating landscape environments is sufficiently discussed in the Wikipedia article on tree planting, and provides a useful background to novices.

Different Types of Trees That Grow Well in Landscapes

The most significant choice in any tree planting guide is to select the right species. These are young trees at Tree Nursery Co., which grow reliably and provide excellent landscape value in a wide spectrum of site conditions.

Elm Tree

A quick-growing tree (Ulmus americana) that has a broad, shady canopy and offers extraordinary wind resistance. The Elm Tree is 60-80 feet and has deep root systems that increase the diversity of soil structure and the number of microbes with age. It is one of the most reliable options to use for planting trees in large landscapes.

Hornbeam Tree

A very difficult-to-grow, slow-growing tree (Carpinus betulus) is a tough, shade-tolerant, poor-soil, and city-tolerant tree. The Hornbeam Tree is a 20-30-foot-tall, dense-branched plant with appealing multi-seasonal leaf cover. It is a great young tree choice in difficult locations where other species cannot find a foothold.

Persian Silk Tree

Rapidly growing ornamental plant (Albizia julibrissin) that bears feathery pink blossoms that attract pollinators during the summer months. The Persian Silk Tree stands 20-35 feet tall with a canopy spread over it, giving filtered shade. It is a bold selection among young trees to provide seasonal color and wildlife benefit to landscapes.

Chestnut Oak Tree

This is a native, deciduous tree (Quercus montana) with thick, ridged bark and rich acorns that aid local wildlife during autumn and winter months. The Chestnut oak tree is 60-70 feet tall and provides superb drought resistance when established. It is a long-term investment in planting trees that facilitates landscape aesthetics as well as ecological harmony.

Tree of Life—Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an ancient, hardy tree with its fan-shaped leaves changing to a golden color in the fall. The Tree of Life Gingko Biloba, is 50-80 feet tall and is extremely adaptable to pollution, drought, and dense soils. It is also one of the rarest and most permanent young trees that can be used in Tennessee landscapes.

Easy Care Habits That Help Trees Thrive Long-Term

The success of young trees is determined by consistent tree care and maintenance in the first two to three growing seasons. These tree care tips are easy and made by amateurs.

• Watering: 10-15 gallons every week during dry seasons in the first two seasons. Deep watering makes the roots grow deep, as opposed to shallowly just beneath the surface.
• Mulching: Spread 3-4 inches of organic mulch around the trunk, but do not touch the trunk. Mulch helps keep soil moist, helps control soil temperature, and nourishes soil organisms—one of the best tree care tips ever.
• Pruning: Pruning does not require much effort: simply take out dead or damaged branches during the first years of a tree. Do not prune heavily when setting up.
• Fertilizing: During the first year, most young trees do not require fertilizer. Balanced feeding in the second spring enhances healthy growth with no stressful effects on new roots.

When trees become established, very little tree care and maintenance is required. To achieve maximum long-term effects, Tree Nursery Co. suggests a consistent approach to caring for trees through the first three seasons.

Conclusion

Young trees will have the best start in any landscape under proper tree planting methods and regular early attention. The Tree Nursery Co. has trusted quality trees such as Elm Tree, Hornbeam Tree, Persian Silk Tree, Chestnut Oak Tree, and Tree of Life - Ginkgo Biloba, commonly known to plant beautifully in Tennessee landscapes.

FAQs

How to take care of young trees?

The three most important rules of trees, when it comes to young trees, are watering them, mulching them, and not pruning them too hard.

What is the most common mistake made in tree planting?

Planting too deep—always use an appropriate tree planting guide to ensure the root flare is set at and a little above ground level.

How to plant a very young tree?

Excavate a large shallow hole, position the root flare level with the ground, and fill the hole with compost-streaked soil and water the trees immediately upon planting.

What to plant around a young tree?

Organic mulch and low-growing groundcovers are the most effective; it is best to avoid grass competition in the immediate vicinity around the young trees when establishing them.

What is the best time to plant trees?

Spring and fall are best when the weather is cooler and before the weather is very hot or too cold to plant.

How do I take care of young trees?

Follow consistent tree care and maintenance habits — water deeply weekly, mulch annually, and prune only dead or damaged wood.

Do young trees need fertilizer?

Most young trees need no fertilizer in year one—light, balanced feeding in the second spring supports growth without overwhelming new roots.

Where can I buy young landscape trees online?

Tree Nursery Co. offers premium young trees with expert guidance for successful Tennessee landscape plantings.