Planting trees in your yard is a great way to improve the curb appeal of your home, create more shade, and help the environment. But, this isn’t something that you should do without consulting one of the best Denver landscaping companies first. Why? Planting a tree isn’t necessarily difficult, but it does require more planning than planting flowers or shrubs. Here’s everything that you need to know about planting new trees:

Choosing the Right Location

The first step to planting a new tree is finding the perfect location for it in your yard. Do you live in a HOA community? If so, take a look at the HOA agreement to see if there are any rules about trees. Some HOA communities limit the areas where new trees can be planted and the types of new trees that can be planted. To avoid a costly fine imposed by the HOA, read through your contract before you go any further in this process.

Next, think about how big the tree will be when it is fully grown. Many people make the mistake of planting a tree in a spot that it will soon outgrow. For example, a tree that is planted too close to a house will need to be moved if it starts to brush against the house once it is fully grown. You should also pay attention to how close the tree will be to outdoor sheds, fences, pools, and driveways. Prevent a problem in the future by researching how big the tree will be ahead of time so you can find an appropriate spot for it.

Finally, research whether the tree needs to be in the sun or the shade in order to grow. To find this information, either look online or talk to a landscaping professional. Knowing what type of environment a tree needs to survive will help you narrow down potential locations in your yard. Learn how to plant a tree or shrub.

Planting the Tree

Begin by digging a hole that is about twice the width of the tree. Place the container that holds the tree inside the hole to make sure it is the right size. Next, loosen the soil within the hole. Many people skip over this step, but it’s important that you do not make this mistake. It is much easier for roots to grow into loose soil, so if you forget to do this, the roots may never be able to branch out.

If the tree is in a container, carefully cut the container off to free the tree’s roots. Then, pick up the root ball of your tree and slowly place it inside the hole. Make sure your hand is covering the majority of the root ball to ensure that the roots stay intact. Once the roots are in the ground, gently loosen them with your fingers so they can easily start to grow into the surrounding soil.

Do one last check to make sure that the hole is the appropriate size by looking at the top of the tree’s roots. If the top of the tree’s roots are sticking out over the edge of the hole, it is not deep enough. The top of the roots should be level with the ground.

Now, begin filling the hole with soil to hold the tree in place. As you fill the hole, keep an eye on the trunk of the tree. The trunk should remain straight at all times, so if you notice it leaning to one side, the roots may need to be adjusted within the hole. The soil should look somewhat flat once you’re done, so make sure that you haven’t accidentally created little mounds of soil around the base of the tree.

Caring For the New Tree

The work isn’t over once the new tree is in the ground. New trees must be cared for to ensure they have everything they need to grow. Start by placing mulch around the base of the tree, but be sure to leave about 4 inches between the trunk and the mulch. The layer of mulch should be about 4 inches thick so it can protect the roots of your new tree.

You may be eager to see the tree grow, but that doesn’t mean you should overdo it with the fertilizer. Using too much fertilizer on a new tree can severely damage the tree’s roots. Talk to your landscaping professional to determine if you should use any fertilizer at all. If he suggests skipping it for now, then start fertilizing once the tree is in its second year of growth instead.

Finally, take a step back and look for any dead or diseased branches. These should be pruned immediately after the tree is in the ground. But, this is the only pruning that you should do on a new tree. If there are no dead or diseased branches or limbs, hold off on pruning a new tree until it is well into its first growing season.

Hiring A Professional

It’s best to let a professional plant trees instead of trying to do it on your own. It may seem easy to plant and care for new trees, but there’s a lot of work involved. A professional can make sure that you choose the right type of tree, find an appropriate spot for it, and plant it correctly. Professionals can also care for the new tree, which is incredibly important in the early stages of the tree’s life. Let a professional handle the dirty work while you enjoy the beauty of your growing trees.

Do you want to plant new trees in your yard? If so, contact the professionals to discuss your needs. Arbor Garden is a locally owned and operated tree services company that specializes in tree pruning, removing, stump removal, planting, and pest management. We will be happy to help you plant new trees in your lawn. Contact us today to learn more about our tree and integrated pest management services and receive a free estimate.