In brief: To plant trees and shrubs successfully, first check the location and choose a tree suited to the site. Dig a planting hole that is wide and deep enough, then set the root ball so its surface is level with the ground. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly. A mulch ring and support stakes help the tree get established.
Planting trees and shrubs: Essential tips to get started
A tree can transform your garden for decades. Planting it correctly supports its health, growth, and stability. This guide shows you how to plant trees and shrubs properly and avoid common mistakes from the start.
The effort pays off. Well-planted trees and shrubs need less maintenance, enrich the ecosystem, and improve quality of life. Let's start with planning.
Why is preparation so important?
Careful planning can save you from having to transplant a plant later or even losing it. Two factors are especially important: the location and choosing the right tree.
How do I find the perfect location?
Take a close look at your garden. Consider the tree's mature height and width. Will there still be enough room in 20 years? Check the distance from buildings, utility lines, and neighboring properties.
Light needs vary by species. Sun-loving fruit trees struggle in the shade, while woodland trees can suffer in the hot midday sun. Observe the sun's path throughout the day.
Soil has a major influence on success. Is it sandy and dry, or heavy and clayey? A simple finger test can tell you a lot. Choose a tree that suits the soil, rather than trying to change the soil to suit the tree.
Pro tip
Never plant a large tree directly in the lawn. Keep a grass-free mulch ring around it, clear of competing plants. Mulch the area with bark compost to help prevent drying out and weeds, and protect your lawn mower.
Which trees are suitable for a climate-friendly garden?
Choose native species such as rowan (European mountain ash), field maple, or small-leaved lime. They are adapted to the local climate, hardy, and provide food for native insects and birds. Exotic species may look attractive, but they often offer little ecological value.
Think about the future. A climate-friendly garden can withstand changing conditions. Choose species that can cope with dry spells and higher temperatures. Sustainable garden design starts with this decision.
A plant is only as good as its root system. A healthy, compact root ball without circling roots is the foundation for a long tree life.
How do you dig the ideal planting hole?
Digging a planting hole involves more than simply moving soil. The hole gives the plant the space it needs to get established. As a rule of thumb, make it twice as wide as the root ball and one and a half times as deep.
Loosen the bottom and sides thoroughly with a digging fork. Compacted sides can act like a concrete tub, preventing roots from spreading. In heavy soil, mix sand or compost into the soil you removed.
Never plant a tree deeper than it was growing at the nursery. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil. Planting too deeply can deprive the roots of oxygen and cause rot.
Important note
Remove the pot or root-ball wrapping only when you are ready to place the tree in the hole. Roots can dry out within minutes in the sun. If the root ball is in a wire basket, cut the wire and fold it back. The material will decompose in the soil.
What tools do you need to plant shrubs?
A spade and shovel are enough for small shrubs. Large trees call for a sturdy shovel, a digging fork, and possibly a wheelbarrow. Sharp tools make the job easier. Find the right tools in our garden tools category.
Keep water close by. Watering the tree in is the final, essential step. A long garden hose is more practical than carrying several watering cans.
What should you consider when planting a tree?
Place the tree in the prepared hole. Check its height with a board laid across the hole. Fill the hole with soil in layers, gently firming each one as you go to prevent large air pockets.
Shape the soil into a watering basin to keep water over the root zone. Now give the tree a thorough drink: keep watering until air bubbles stop rising and a small puddle forms.
Water is the lift that carries nutrients. Without an adequate water supply during the establishment phase, the young plant's entire nutrient transport system comes to a standstill.
When and how should you support a young tree?
Place one or two stakes before backfilling the hole. Position a stake on the side the prevailing wind comes from. Secure the trunk with coconut rope or a tree tie. Tie it in a figure eight to prevent rubbing.
: A tree spiral protects the delicate trunk from browsing rabbits and deer as well as accidental damage from lawn mowers. It's a worthwhile investment for young trees.
How do you care for trees and shrubs after planting?
The first growing season is critical. Water regularly and deeply during dry spells. Check the moisture in the root zone, not just at the surface. A layer of bark compost or shredded garden waste can reduce watering needs by up to 50 percent.
Avoid using synthetic fertilizer in the first year. The roots need time to develop. Organic fertilizer such as our
(organic fertilizer for fruit trees) works slowly and gently. It supports healthy soil and provides plants with the nutrients they need.
Additional advice
Applying seaweed lime in spring can be especially helpful for lime-loving plants such as boxwood and fruit trees
. It improves soil structure, supplies trace minerals, and can make plants more resilient. Learn more in our plant protection section.
How do you protect young trees and shrubs in winter?
Newly planted trees and shrubs are more sensitive to frost. A layer of leaves or brushwood around the base insulates shallow roots. For evergreen shrubs, garden fleece can protect against sun and wind and help prevent winter desiccation.
Remove winter protection in good time in spring. Check the tie to the stake and loosen it if it is cutting into the trunk.
How does planting trees contribute to a more sustainable garden?
Every tree you plant makes a difference. It absorbs CO2, produces oxygen, cools its surroundings through evaporation, and filters dust. Planting a tree is a direct step toward a climate-friendly garden.
Donating to tree-planting projects or planting a tree on your own property can have a lasting impact. Combine trees with perennials and a flower-rich meadow to support biodiversity. Sustainable garden design focuses on creating habitats.
Use local materials and avoid peat. Our range of plant and flower fertilizers offers many organic alternatives. Every choice counts.
With this guide, you’re well prepared. You know how to assess your site, choose the right tree, dig the planting hole, and plant your tree. Your garden will thank you.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to plant trees and shrubs?
- The best time to plant most trees and shrubs is in fall (October-November) or spring (March-April). In fall, the soil is warm, roots keep growing, and plants get a strong start in spring. Container-grown plants can be planted almost year-round as long as the ground isn’t frozen. Avoid periods of hard frost, heat, or drought.
- How large should a planting hole be for a tree?
- The planting hole should be at least twice as wide and 1.5 times as deep as the root ball. For a root ball with a diameter of 50 cm, dig a hole 100 cm wide and 75 cm deep. Loosen the bottom and sides of the hole thoroughly, too. A generous hole gives roots room to grow and helps them establish in the surrounding soil.
- Does every newly planted tree need a stake?
- No, not every tree needs support. A stake is recommended for standard trees, exposed locations, or plants with a small root ball. Proper tying is important: position the stake in the direction of the prevailing wind before planting, then secure the trunk with a wide, flexible tie. Remove the support after one to two years so the tree can develop a strong, stable structure.
- How should I water newly planted trees and shrubs?
- After planting, water thoroughly until a small puddle forms. For the next few weeks, water trees and shrubs regularly because their root systems are still small. Check the moisture in the root zone, not just at the surface. A layer of bark compost mulch significantly reduces evaporation. Avoid waterlogged soil.
- How can planting trees make a garden more climate-friendly?
- Trees absorb CO2, produce oxygen, cool their surroundings through evaporation, and provide habitat. A climate-friendly garden uses native trees and shrubs suited to the site. Choose adaptable plants that provide food for insects and birds. Avoid peat and choose durable materials. Every tree-planting donation or new tree can contribute directly to the local microclimate and biodiversity.
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