When to Plant your Tree

At nearly every planting, adoption, or tree care event, we get the same question: when is the best time to plant my tree? Although it can vary on species and area of the world, for us in North Carolina, there’s really only one answer: now!

The absolute best time to plant a tree is during the dormant season, which occurs from fall after leaves drop to spring before buds break. Trees establish best during dormancy, as roots can settle into their new location before the growing season of late spring and summer hits. The cooler weather conditions are also a lot less stressful to young trees than the intense heat of summer.

If you adopt a tree from us at one of our TreeAdoption events, the best time to plant THAT tree is as soon as you find a suitable place to plant it. You don’t want the roots to grow too much in the pot, as they can circle around the stem and “girdle” or choke the tree. If you do have to keep your tree in its pot for more than a few days, be sure you check the soil every day and water it if the soil feels dry. 

Besides time of year, another important factor in planting trees is where you plant. Knowing how large your species will grow and what conditions your tree prefers is vital to its health. For large species, plant the tree at least 10 feet away from structures, 25 feet away from overhead utility lines, and 3 feet from sidewalks and walkways. Regardless of tree size, utilities both overhead and underground should be avoided. And be sure to call 811 to have utilities marked before you start digging!

To get two free trees from us, check out our events calendar for our next TreeAdoption!