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Proper Tree Planting in Your Yard – Why It’s Better to Call a Pro

by | Jan 20, 2025 | Tree Planting

SUMMARY

Planting a tree is a rewarding way to enhance your yard, add beauty, and even improve your home’s value. However, it’s not as simple as digging a hole and placing a sapling in the ground. If you’re considering planting a tree, it’s important to understand what goes into it—and why hiring a professional can save you a lot of time, effort, and potential headaches down the road.

When you try to do it yourself, it might seem like a quick weekend project, but many homeowners overlook the fine details that make all the difference. Mistakes during planting can lead to stunted growth, poor health, or even the tree struggling to survive altogether. Let’s explore what proper tree planting involves, why DIY attempts can fail, and why a professional is your best option for success.

The Key Elements of Proper Tree Planting

Picking the Right Tree and Choosing the Best Spot

Before you even dig, you need to determine what type of tree is going to thrive in your yard. It may seem like a simple decision, but it can get complicated. Some trees need full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Some do well in clay-heavy soil, while others require well-drained sandy areas. Choosing the wrong tree or placing it in a bad location could lead to years of headaches.

Another important thing to consider is how the tree will fit into your yard as it grows. Trees can grow quite large, and you’ll want to make sure the branches won’t hit your home, power lines, or other trees as they mature. A professional arborist has the expertise to evaluate your property, consider these factors, and suggest the best tree and location for your unique yard.

Preparing the Soil and the Planting Site

Even if you’ve got the perfect tree in mind, the planting site itself has to be ready. Soil is a key component here. Professionals often test soil to ensure it has the proper nutrients and drainage for the tree to thrive. Without this preparation, the tree’s roots may struggle to grow, leaving it vulnerable to diseases, drought, or stunted development.

The actual planting itself requires attention to detail. The hole has to be just the right size—wide enough for the roots to spread out but not too deep to bury the root flare, which can lead to rot. Proper mulching and watering are also critical parts of the process, but these steps can easily be mishandled if you’re unfamiliar with them.

A professional trimming and shaping a tree.

Why DIY Tree Planting Isn’t Always the Best Idea

Common Mistakes When You Plant a Tree Yourself

One of the biggest problems with DIY tree planting is simply not knowing what you don’t know. Many homeowners end up planting their trees too deep or too shallow, failing to prepare the site properly, or even misjudging their soil’s needs. Mistakes like these can lead to a weak root system, stunted growth, or even the complete failure of the tree.

Think about it: if the roots aren’t strong or well-anchored in the soil, your new tree won’t stand much of a chance. Additionally, improper mulching and watering are common oversights. While mulch can help retain moisture and provide nutrients, too much mulch can trap rot-causing moisture against the trunk.

What Can Happen When You Take the DIY Route

Not only can mistakes lead to unhealthy trees, but they can also create expensive problems. Weakly planted trees are more susceptible to storm damage, disease, or pests. They can fall on power lines, nearby buildings, or other areas of your property, leading to costly repairs or dangerous situations for your family and neighbors.

When you factor in the cost of replacing a failed tree or cleaning up damage from improper planting, it’s easy to see how DIY can become a financial burden.

A professional taking care of tree trimming.

Why Hiring a Professional Makes Sense

Professionals Know How to Plan for Success

Professionals don’t just plant trees—they analyze your property and plan for the long term. They’ll assess your soil type, your yard’s sunlight conditions, and potential future challenges like underground utilities, drainage issues, or overhanging structures. With this information, they can choose the right type of tree and the best spot to plant it, ensuring it will thrive well into the future.

Professionals also prepare the planting site properly, from testing and amending soil to choosing the ideal depth and taking the time to ensure roots are properly placed and spread. Their experience helps eliminate guesswork and increase the odds that your tree will have the best chance of survival.

Beyond Planting: Ongoing Care and Support

Planting a tree is just the first step. Healthy trees need ongoing care to thrive, especially in the first few years. Professionals can offer maintenance services like pruning, mulching, and monitoring for disease or pests. They’re equipped to catch and address problems early, saving you time and money down the line.

By hiring a pro, you’re investing not just in planting the tree, but in its long-term health and longevity.

All tree services, Divine Lawns take care of it.

Conclusion

Planting a tree is a fantastic way to invest in your home and landscape, but it’s not a simple task that should be taken lightly. Mistakes made during the planting process can lead to years of problems, from poor growth to damage to your property.

While the DIY route might seem like an easy or cost-effective solution, the risks involved often outweigh the savings. Hiring a professional ensures that your tree is planted properly, nurtured from the start, and cared for in the years to come. With their expertise, you’ll save time, money, and unnecessary stress while creating a healthy, thriving tree that will enhance your yard for generations.

If you’re thinking about adding a tree to your yard, save yourself the hassle and call the pros. Trust their knowledge—they’ve done the hard part so you can enjoy the beautiful results. Divine Lawns can help with tree planting, tree trimming, tree removal, landscaping and much more.

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