a family planting trees

Tree planting is one of the best ways to renew or expand your backyard woods.

Trees will grow into open fields if there is sufficient rain and naturally reproduce after tree harvests, storms, and wildfires. Tree planting speeds up the process and allows you to select the types of trees in your new woods. Tree planting is a long-term investment. Not only will you benefit, but your children, grandchildren, and possibly their children will enjoy and use the trees you plant.

In This Bulletin

Here’s what’s inside:

  • Why do I want to plant trees? – determining your planting objectives 
  • What are the site conditions? – thinking about climate, soil, moisture, and sunlight
  • What can I plant? – considering what grows well in your area
  • How do I prepare the site? – site preparation methods
  • How should I space trees? – taking into account the mature size of the tree and your objectives
  • How do I handle bare rootstock? – an economical choice for large-scale planting
  • How do I prepare seedlings? – steps to take before you plant
  • What is the best way to plant? – tips for hand-planting your trees
  • How do I maintain new plantings? – care recommendations for seedlings