Planting a tree or shrub sounds simple enough, right? You dig a hole, drop the plant in, water it, and walk away. But there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface, and skipping certain steps upfront can leave you with a dead plant, a damaged yard, or a much bigger project than you bargained for. These are the tips you should know before planting trees or shrubs so you get it right from the start.
Pick the Right Plant for Your Climate
Not every tree or shrub thrives in every environment. Before you buy anything, check your USDA Hardiness Zone and look at the plant’s water needs. In drier, hotter climates, you’ll want drought-tolerant species like desert willow, palo verde, or native shrubs that don’t need constant irrigation to survive.
Know What’s Underground Before You Dig
Digging without checking for underground utilities is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes homeowners make. Call 811 before you break ground. It’s a free service that marks gas lines, electrical cables, and water pipes on your property.
You also want to think about how landscaping affects your home’s drainage. For instance, planting trees or shrubs too close to your home’s exterior walls can prevent water from evaporating and dissipating as it should, leading to foundation issues.
Give Every Plant Enough Space To Grow
A shrub that’s 2 feet wide today can be 6 feet wide in a few years. Trees spread even further, both in their canopies and root systems. Always check the mature size on the plant tag or with your nursery before you decide where to put something. Planting too close to your home, a fence, or another plant creates competition for water and nutrients, blocks airflow, and can eventually cause structural problems.
Water the Right Way From Day One
Newly planted trees and shrubs need more water than established ones, but that doesn’t mean daily soaking. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow downward and outward, which builds a stronger, more drought-resistant plant over time. Shallow, frequent watering does the opposite.
Get Your Timing Right
Spring and fall are the best times to plant in most regions. The cooler temperatures give roots a chance to establish before the heat or cold puts stress on the plant. In hotter climates, fall planting is often preferred because it gives roots the entire winter and spring to settle in before facing a harsh summer. Avoid planting during heat waves or drought conditions if you can help it.
Don’t Let These Tips Go to Waste
Remember and review these tips before planting trees or shrubs if you want to avoid a failed landscaping project and potentially costly damage to your home down the road. A little preparation now means a yard that’s healthier, more sustainable, and easier to maintain for a long time to come.
