How and When to Plant Trees

There are so many benefits to planting trees in the garden, from creating shade and a windbreak, to enhancing the gardens aesthetic.

Planting a tree is a long-term investment in your garden so it’s important to give it the best possible chance when planting to ensure strong and healthy growth. Planting a tree is more than just digging a hole, it’s about understanding the needs of the species, the type of environment, and committing to its care. Done right, that single tree can provide beauty, shade, habitat, and environmental benefits for generations.

When to Plant Trees

The best time to plant trees is when they’re dormant, as this reduces the risk of transplant shock or damage.

 

Best Time: Autumn or Early Spring

  • Autumn (September to November): The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall help trees establish roots before the ground freezes.

 

  • Early Spring (March to May): Trees can root out before the stress of summer heat kicks in.

 

We recommend that you avoid planting during extreme temperatures, such as during a summer heat or deep winter frost. Trees planted in mild, moist conditions have the highest survival rates.

How to Plant a Tree: Step-by-Step

Choose the Right Tree for the Right Place

Consider the climate, soil type, sunlight, and space. Think long-term about how tall it may grow and how wide? It’s best to avoid planting too close to buildings, sidewalks, or power lines.

If you are planting more than one tree at a time we recommend you plant them 1 – 5 metres apart depending on your plan and the space you have available. Trees arranged in gentle waves blend better with the landscape than those in strict rows.

To form a single hedge, plant trees at 30 cm intervals, for a more robust, dense hedge, plant a double staggered row in a zigzag formation.

Dig a Hole

We recommend digging a hole in a square shape that is 2-3 times wider, but no deeper than the root ball. The reason for this is because it’s likely that a tree grown in a circular pot will have tightly wound, circular roots, a wide, shallow, square hole will encourage horizontal root growth, which is key for stability.

Gently tease apart any tightly wound, circling roots as this helps to prevent girdling roots later on. The top of the root flare should be at or slightly above ground level.

We recommend adding rootgrow that contains mycorrhizal fungi to the base of the planting hole and sprinkle some over the roots as well to enhance root growth and nutrient uptake. It also encourages abundant flowering and heavier cropping too!

It’s best to wait to fertilise when the tree has become more established, if you do this before this time the top growth will be stimulated before roots are ready to full offer it support.

Position and Backfill

Place the tree upright, making sure it’s straight, you may need another pair of hands to hold the tree straight as you backfill the soil, remember to stand at a slight distance to confirm the tree is in fact straight before filling in the soil.

Backfill with the same soil you dug out, if you must add compost do so minimally, as roots need to grow into native soil. Then lightly tamp the soil to remove air pockets.

Give it a Good Water

Give the tree a deep watering right after planting to settle the soil and hydrate roots, and continue watering regularly, especially during the first 1–2 years.

Mulch Wisely

Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base but keep it away from the trunk, remember no mulch mountains!

Mulch conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature.

Stake If Necessary

Only stake trees if they’re in windy areas or unstable soil.

Remove stakes after one growing season to allow the tree to strengthen on its own.

By choosing the right tree, preparing the site properly, and giving it the care it needs to thrive, you’re helping to create cleaner air, provide shade, and support local wildlife. With a bit of effort and patience, the tree you plant today can grow into a lasting legacy for generations to come.