How to Plant Trees from Pots

Whether your new trees are for decorative, a windbreak, or for privacy, there are certain steps you should take when planting your trees. How to plant trees from pots, lays out those steps for you.

I’m going to assume since you’re looking to plant trees out of pots, you already have a good idea where you want them. Make sure your tree is suitable for the spot you’ve chosen.

Full-sun or partial-sun with 6+ hours of sunlight are best. (Read up on the tree you have chosen to determine to specifics of this)

Trees in too much shade (depending on the tree) will stunt the trees growth.

Before beginning the process of moving your tree from its pot, give it a good water a few hours (or up to a day) before planting.

Prepare the planting hole

Now that you’re ready to get started, you need your hole. I like to place my potted tree exactly in the spot where I intend to plant to, and use it as my guide for how big my hole will be.

Your hole should be 6-12 inches wider than your pot.

As you dig, place the dirt on a piece of cardboard or in another container. This will help when its time to backfill.

The hole should be deep enough to cover your roots. With trees you do not want to plant them too deep, just enough so the roots (or root ball) are under. Basically never plant deeper than how deep the tree was in its pot originally.

Also keep the base of the hole where the tree will sit somewhat firm and sturdy. This prevents the tree from settling too deep into the ground.

Removing tree from pot

Carefully remove your tree from its pot. Squish and roll the pot to loosen things up if needed.

You’ll want to pull your tree from its trunk. Never pull on the branches as they could break off.

Take your time on this step to properly remove the tree from the pot. The bigger the tree, the harder this might be.

Loosen the roots

Now that the tree is out of the pot, inspect the roots.

Most nursery raised plants tend to be root bound. Be gentle and carefully loosen those roots up.

Use water if you need to, to help with this process. You’ll also be watering the roots before setting your tree in your hole to prevent them from drying out, so this doesn’t hurt to do.

Loosing the roots up helps them to grow more freely as well as establishing better and faster than if you leave them all bound up.

Backfill dirt

Water your roots again and place your tree in the hole. Start to backfill with dirt.

You do NOT want to pack the dirt down. Loosely fill dirt back in around the tree cover all roots and the root ball.

Remember to not cover the tree higher than it was in the pot.

Finishing

Once your tree is officially planted, give it a little water again, making sure the root ball is saturated.

And you’re all done! Tend to your trees a couple times a week till they are established, checking for and removing weeds and watering if you haven’t received much for rain.

I hope you found these steps helpful for how to plant trees from pots!