Tree Planting

In your Backyard

Trees add beauty, shade, and so much more. Trees can reduce your cooling costs, help clean the air, add beauty and color, provide shelter from the wind and the sun, add value to your home, and provide habitat.

Choosing a tree

Choose a tree that will provide enjoyment for you and fits your landscape. Take advantage of references on gardening in local libraries, universities, arboretums, and parks where trees are identified, and from native plant and gardening clubs and nurseries. Before you buy, you can find out if a tree is appropriate for your area, how big it will get, how long it will live, and the proper planting instructions and care for that species. Select native trees because:

  • They will live longer.
  • They are more tolerant to local weather and soil conditions.
  • They will enhance the natural biodiversity in your neighborhood.
  • They are more beneficial to wildlife than non-native trees.
  • Non-native trees will invade other areas and crowd out native plants, harming the ecosystem.

Planting a tree

A properly planted and maintained tree will grow much faster and live much longer than one that is incorrectly planted. Trees can be planted almost any time of the year as long as the soil is prepared properly for root growth. Here are a few suggestions when planting a tree:

  1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole with a pick or shovel so that roots can penetrate the soil.
  2. Gently separate circling roots on the root ball. Shorten exceptionally long roots, and guide the shortened roots downward and outward. Root tips die quickly when exposed to light and air, so don’t waste time.
  3. Place the root ball in the hole (allow adequate distance from fences, poles, slabs, and property lines) and lightly tap the soil to collapse air pockets or add water to help settle the soil.
  4. Water thoroughly after planting and use mulch around the tree.

Additional Resources

Source: "Hawaii Backyard Conservation" (PDF), The U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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