Making mistakes when planting new trees is very common, even for experienced gardeners and homeowners. But improper planting techniques can sabotage the health and lifespan of new trees right from the start. At Tree Work Now, our arborists service clients across Seminole and Volusia Counties in Florida. We want to share tree care tips to help you avoid the most common tree planting errors we see in our area. Read on as we reveal the top 3 tree planting mistakes, explain why they cause problems, and provide specific guidance on the proper planting methods for success. Follow these best practices tailored to Central Florida’s climate, and your new trees will thrive for years to come.
#1: Planting Too Deep
Planting the tree too deep in the ground is arguably the most common planting mistake we encounter. It not only hampers the growth of newly planted trees but often contributes to their premature decline and death. But why exactly is deep planting such a problem?
When trees sit too deeply in the ground after planting, it buries the root flare area at the base of the trunk under soil. The root flare contains the critical buttress roots that provide the structural stability for the entire tree. Covering this essential root area with soil cuts off proper oxygen flow, which suffocates the roots and allows fungal infections to take hold. Deep planting also encourages adventitious roots to sprout up higher on the trunk, which makes trees unstable and more prone to blowing over.
To avoid deep planting, carefully examine root ball depth and soil grade when digging the planting hole. The root flare should sit level with the surrounding soil or slightly above once planted. If the tree ends up lower than ground level, adjust depth of the hole to prevent burying the trunk base. Monitor soil level post-planting and pull excess soil away if the root flare becomes buried. Proper depth placement provides ideal oxygen circulation to the buttress roots.
#2: Leaving Burlap, Wire Basket On
Another issue we often see is failing to remove the wire basket and burlap wrapping from the root ball before planting. Nurseries contain trees in wire baskets and wrap their root balls in burlap or synthetic fabric to protect fine roots during transport. But these materials wreak havoc over time if left on at planting.
The snug wire basket constricts outward root growth, girdling and strangling the expanding roots. Burlap blocks water and oxygen from penetrating to the root zone. In Florida’s climate, the moist burlap also breeds stem-girdling fungi and invites pests like slime flux beetles. Always remove wire baskets using bolt cutters, pulling the basket completely away from the root ball. Then fully extract the burlap, being careful to avoid damaging young feeder roots in the process.
#3: Insufficient Follow-Up Care
The final common mistake involves improper follow-up care immediately after planting and in the weeks following. Two key areas are mulching and watering new trees adequately. But we find many homeowners neglect these vital post-planting tasks.
After backfilling the planting hole, apply 2–4 inches of organic mulch across the full root zone, leaving a buffer near the trunk. Mulch conserves moisture, reduces weeds and grass competition, and moderates soil temperature fluctuations.
In Florida’s climate, consistent watering is also essential as young trees establish. Use a soft sprayer, drip line or soaker hose to deeply water the root zone when rainfall is lacking. With attentive post-plant care, trees transition smoothly into their new environment. Use the following watering schedule to ensure your tree is receiving the proper care after being planted:
- Water daily: First 3 weeks
- Water every other day: First 3 months
- Water weekly: First 2 years
Adopt Proper Planting Techniques for Success
By steering clear of these 3 common mistakes, you can feel confident your new trees will get off to a healthy, vigorous start. We encourage planting during Central Florida’s fall to early spring planting window for ideal establishment. If you need guidance selecting suitable species or proper planting steps for your landscape, the Tree Work Now team is here to help! Contact us for a complimentary planting consultation with one of our ISA Certified Arborists. Let’s work together to set your new trees up for long lives full of beauty and benefits.
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