Tree Care and Planting
Trees offer countless environmental benefits, from providing wildlife habitat and improving air quality to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the urban heat island effect. Whether you're planting a new tree or caring for an established one, here’s some helpful information to support healthy growth and long-term success.
The first step is to pick a tree that is right for you. Need help picking a tree? The DNR has a guide to help you.. You can also see a list of recommended trees for Minnesota.
Planting
Next, you will need to plant your tree. Different methods should be used depending on how the tree has been stored.
Be sure to plant your tree in a location that matches its sunlight and soil needs For trees ordered from the Isanti SWCD tree sale, you can reference our Tree Sale Guide to find the recommended conditions for each species.
Bareroot Seedlings:
To download these instructions as a PDF, click here.
1. Keep the roots moist until planting.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as and slightly deeper than root length.
3. If the hole cannot be dug deep enough to fit the entire root system, trim roots with scissors to the same length as the seedling’s above-ground height or 8 inches, whichever is longer.
4. Place roots in the hole so the top of the first root is slightly below surface level.
5. Distribute roots evenly, making sure the roots are straight and not doubled over or making a "J" shape.
6. Backfill hole until dirt is slightly above the top of the first root.
7. Remove air pockets from soil by pushing down firmly with hands or feet.
8. Water entire area until water stops soaking in.
9. When feasible, place mulch around the seedling, but keep mulch away from directly touching the trunk.
Container Trees:
To download these instructions as a PDF, click here.
1. Keep the root ball moist at all times. Dry roots die.
2. Remove the tree from the container by holding its trunk with one hand and pushing away or down on the container with your other hand.
3. Remove any excess soil to the point of the top of first woody root.
4. If woody roots (pencil size or larger) are circling around the base, remove them by sawing off the sides of the root ball.
5. Dig a hole two times the width of the root ball and as deep as the distance from the bottom of the root ball to the top of the first woody root.
6. Carefully place tree in hole, making sure it stands straight and the top of first woody root is at ground level.
7. Backfill hole until dirt is slightly above the top of the first root.
8. Remove air pockets from soil by pushing down firmly with hands or feet.
9. Water thoroughly.
10. Layer 2"–4" of mulch over backfilled area, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Caring for Your Tree
Finally, it’s important to care for your tree properly to ensure healthy growth and long-term success. This includes regular watering, mulching, and pruning. Newly planted trees should be watered about once a week, During hot or dry weather, you may need to water more frequently. Adding a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, while keeping it away from the trunk, helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. As your tree grows, occasional pruning will help maintain its structure, remove any dead or damaged branches, and create a desired shape.
Learn more on the DNR webpage.
If you are looking to purchase trees— each year the Isanti SWCD has a tree sale. Orders can be placed online.