Planting Trees : Virginia Department of Forestry

Planting Container

Tree Selection and Planting

Right Tree, Right Place

Many trees planted each year by well-meaning homeowners and community workers will never flourish because they are hopelessly unsuited for the conditions in which they are placed. Before rushing in to plant just any available trees, do enough research and planning to ensure success.

Factors to Consider

Plant hardiness zone and heat tolerance
Native plant species vs. non-native plant species
Planting location and surroundings
Microclimates
Desired tree function
Season of planting

Taking a bit of time to plan before putting a tree in the ground will save money and headaches in the future. When choosing a tree, make sure to do a complete site evaluation to understand the conditions and ensure the best tree for the site chosen.

When to Plant

It is best to plant while the trees are dormant in late fall, winter, or early spring.

Deciduous trees planted in the fall, after the heat of summer diminishes, have several months to re-establish their root system and often emerge healthier the next spring than those transplanted in the heat of summer.

Evergreens should only be planted in late winter or early spring – but beware of foliage drying and “winter burn”. Unlike deciduous trees, evergreens hold onto their foliage throughout the winter, and to keep them green they need a lot of moisture. Bright sun and harsh winds in the winter months can cause the needles to lose moisture, and plant roots cannot take up enough water from the soil in frozen ground, which can cause dry foliage and “winter burn”. In newly planted trees where the root system is already too small for the canopy, this problem is made worse.

Planting Different Types of Nursery Stock

Trees may be purchased as bare-root, container-grown, or balled and burlapped. Correct planting and initial maintenance are essential for a long, healthy life for your tree. The most common cause of poor tree health is poor planting: too deep, too shallow, or in too small an area. The objective is to plant the tree so that the root flare at the bottom of the trunk is at (or slightly above) the surrounding ground level.

Planting Bare-root Trees

The most important thing to remember when choosing to plant bare-root trees is you must not let the roots dry out. Soak roots in water before, during and after planting to ensure good contact with the surrounding soil. Follow these steps for successful planting:

Gently prune away any dry, damaged, and broken roots using a sharp tool.
Dig a shallow planting hole no deeper than the roots will be when they are spread out.
Make the hole wider than the root system to allow for spreading.
When planting large bare-root stock, backfill with native soil while watering simultaneously, creating a slurry of mud to cover the roots.

Planting Containerized Trees

Trees sold in containers are the most common type of stock found in nurseries. When moving a tree, always pick it up by the container and NOT by the trunk!

Dig the planting hole the same depth as the tree is growing in the container. Caution: Sometimes growing medium surrounding the tree in the container is above the root flare and the excess should be removed.
Make the planting hole at least two to three times wider than the container.
Remove the tree from the container before planting.
Container-grown trees may show circling roots that should be straightened out to prevent later girdling and to encourage natural root growth. Trees are constantly growing and shedding the fine absorbing roots that are lost in this process, and root pruning will stimulate new root growth.
Place the tree in the planting hole and backfill with native soil.
Use your boot to gently press on the backfill soil to ensure good root to soil contact.
Water your newly planted tree.

Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees

Trees sold balled and burlapped are usually larger stock that instantly add impact to the area in which you are planting. They are quite heavy and require multiple hands to successfully plant them. When moving a tree, always pick it up by the root ball or binding strings and NOT by the trunk!

Dig the planting hole the same depth as the root ball. Caution: Sometimes growing medium surrounding the tree in the burlap is above the root flare and the excess should be removed.
Make the diameter of the planting hole at least two to three times wider than the root ball.
Remove all or as much packaging – string, wire basket and burlap – from the root ball as practical before planting the tree. Note: Do not worry if this causes deterioration of the root ball. The soil in the root ball is there to protect the roots during shipping.
Place the tree in the planting hole and backfill with native soil.
Use your boot to gently press on the backfill soil to ensure good root to soil contact and to rid the soil of air pockets.
Water your newly planted tree.

Additional Resources

Title	ID	Description	Content Type	View	hf:tax:document-category	hf:tax:Media
A Training Manual for Virginia Tree Stewards 4th Edition – Volunteers for the Community Forest		This training manual includes 10 units, including Tree Anatomy, Tree Physiology, Environmental Factors Affecting Trees, Tree Identification, Tree Selection, Tree Planting and Care, Tree Pruning, Tree Problems and Diagnosis, Invasive Species in Virginia, and Trees and People in the Community.	Publication	View	urban-and-community-forestry	publication
Acorn and Nut Identification Guide	FT0060	Forestry topic information sheet helps in identifying the most common acorns and nuts in Virginia to assist in the collection for our nursery.	Publication	View	education nurseries public-information	publication
Bark Types		Pictorial sheet showing the types of bark with photo samples of each.	Document	View	education public-information	document
Basic Tree Identification		By Ellen Powell, Conservation Education Coordinator – Presentation reviews the basics of tree identification.	Presentation	View	education forest-management public-information training human-resources	presentation
Best Practices for Establishing Eastern White Pine – Based Upon Years of Research	FT0023	Forestry topic information sheet provides information about best practices to be used in establishing Eastern white pine to encourage the best possible survival.	Publication	View	forest-management	publication
Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification Guide	P00027	Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings and an identification key to the most common native Virginia shrubs and woody vines. It also contains hints for effective plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.	Publication	View	education public-information	publication
Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page-spread)	P00027	Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings and an identification key to the most common native Virginia shrubs and woody vines. It also contains hints for effective plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.	Publication	View	education public-information	publication
Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification Guide	P00026	Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings, and an identification key to the most common native Virginia trees. It also contains hints for effective plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.	Publication	View	education public-information	publication
Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page spreads)	P00026	Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings, and an identification key to the most common native Virginia trees. It also contains hints for effective plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.	Publication	View	education public-information	publication
Community Tree Planting During COVID-19 – Be Safe, Keep Planting!	FT0054	Forestry topic information sheet provides information about safely holding community tree planting events during the COVID-19 pandemic, including guidance for planning, supplies, and more.	Publication	View	urban-and-community-forestry	publication
Environmental Quality Incentives Cost-Share Program – Project Success Stories	FT0009	Forestry topic information sheet provides “success stories” portraying real-life experiences of Virginia forest landowners who have used Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) cost-share assistance to accomplish sustainable forest management activities. The EQIP program can improve a forest landowner’s “return on investment” by covering a percent of the costs associated with sustainably managing forest stands – planting trees, controlling invasive plant species and improving wildlife habitat. Printed copies available.	Publication	View	financial-assistance-forest-management forest-management	publication
Facts About Low-Density Plantings of Loblolly Pine – Advantages of Planting Fewer Trees Per Acre	FT0003	Forestry topic information sheet provides guidance to landowners about low-density planting for loblolly pine, including forest health, thinnings, wood quality, and return on investment.	Publication	View	forest-management	publication
Fire Adaptive Landscaping for Native Habitats and Wildlife in the Southern Coastal Plain		Book was prepared by the Georgia Forestry Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal Wildscapes, and Firewise Communities to provide every resident and business owner has the opportunity to enhance wildlife habitat and natural ecological systems by maintaining, or where necessary, restoring connectivity to the surrounding forests and other natural communities through landscaping and gardening activities. They can also address the very important issues of water conservation and loss of habitat from invasive species by using native plants and avoiding exotic plants when deciding what to plant. We invite all coastal plain individuals and communities to emphasize creative solutions to protect native habitats and wildlife while connecting with nature and achieving Firewise principals. This publication was created to give everyday people and everyday businesses guidelines for landscaping with these goals in mind.	Publication	View	fire-and-emergency-response urban-and-community-forestry	publication
Hardwood Planting Guide	P00137	Brochure illustrates and explains proper planting techniques for planting bare-root hardwood seedlings. Printed copies available.	Publication	View	nurseries	publication
How To Kill A Tree		Poster demonstrates the most common mistakes made that negatively impact tree health. Printed copies available.	Publication	View	urban-and-community-forestry	publication
Identification Guide Book Order – In-Person Sales	13.04	Use this order form to request books for purchase and pickup in person.	Form	View	public-information	form
Pine Planting Guide	P00117	Brochure illustrates and explains proper planting techniques for planting bare-root pine seedlings. Printed copies available.	Publication	View	nurseries	publication
Property Mulching Techniques		Publication explains proper mulching techniques, including type, amount, and method.	Publication	View	urban-and-community-forestry	publication
Reforesting Cutover Timberland – Pine… A Good Investment	FT0004	Forestry topic information sheet provides guidance to landowners about reforesting their cutover timberland, including planning, site preparation, planting, and checking survival. Printed copies available.	Publication	View	forest-management	publication
Seedling Price Guide	P00139	Brochure provides a listing of seedling species available for sale at our state Nurseries and current pricing. For more detailed species information and to order online, visit our Web Store. Printed copies available.	Publication	View	nurseries	publication
Tree Owner’s Manual for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States	NA-FR-04-07	Manual provides guidance about proper tree care from planting a tree to maintenance and care through the life of the tree.	Publication	View	urban-and-community-forestry	publication
Tree Owner’s Manual for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States	FT0218	Manual provides guidance about proper tree care from planting a tree to maintenance and care through the life of the tree. Manual produced by USDA Forest Service, cover created by DOF. Limited printed copies available.	Publication	View	urban-and-community-forestry	publication
Virginia’s Historic Planting Chart		Chart shows the acres planted in Virginia over a 20-year time frame.	Graphic	View	forest-inventory-analysis forest-management resource-information	graphic