Despite unpopular opinion, fall is the perfect time to plant trees and woody shrubs. With the weather cooling down and winter just around the corner, now is the time to get your trees in the ground and established so they can enter dormancy with the first winter frost.

1. Choosing the right space for your tree

Before choosing a plant location, call Blue Stakes (800.532.500) for the location of all underground utilities.

2. Choosing the right tree for your space

Visit your local nursery, or TreeUtah’s ‘What Tree Should I Plant?’ guide (click here) to learn which tree will be best in your space. Be sure to understand how large the tree will get and how much sunlight and water it will need before selecting a location. Avoid planting it too close to buildings, fences and under power lines.

3. Dig your hole

Ideally, dig or roto till an area one foot deep and approximately two to five times the diameter of the root ball. The prepared soil encourages root growth beyond the root ball and will result in a healthier, faster growing tree.

4. Loosen the rootball

Saturate the root ball of the tree with water to loosen the roots and soil. Always handle your tree by the root ball, not by the trunk or branched. Gently remove the root ball from the container and loosen the soil of the root ball, trimming any girding roots (growing inward). All roots should grow outward!

Photo via HomeDepot.com

5. Place the tree

Place the tree in the center of the hole, making certain that it stands on its own. Make sure your hole is deep enough so the entire root ball will be under the ground, but the root flair is still exposed. You may even have to remove soil from the top of the root ball until you can find the top root.

Photo via Independent Tree

6. Plant and protect

After placing the tree, firmly pack soil around the root ball. Water the soil generously. To keep water from evaporating from the soil (in warmer months) and to protect  the tree from lawn maintenance equipment, apply two to four inches of wood chips or organic mulch around the base of the tree.

Photo via Fiskars

7. Keep it wet

Water your tree frequently, for the first few weeks. Then continue to water the tree weekly for the first two growing seasons. Use low pressure to help the water seep to a depth of at least twelve inches.

Now you’re a pro! Go grab your trees and get planting!

Sources: Lehi City Tree Selection and Care Book, 2009 and TreeUtah How to Plant a Tree Guidelines, 2018.