How To Plant A Tree (And Help It Thrive)

July 16th, 2025

There’s something incredibly rewarding about planting a tree. Whether it’s a blooming ornamental in your front yard, a shady maple for the kids to sit under, or a fruit tree that feeds your family for years — planting a tree means you’re shaping your landscape (and your future) for the better.

 

At Scott’s Nursery Ltd. in Lincoln, we love helping gardeners of all experience levels take that step with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just got your first pair of gloves, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your tree off to a healthy start — right here in New Brunswick’s unique climate and soil.

 

Let’s dig in. (Pun totally intended.)

When’s the Best Time to Plant a 
Tree in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick’s climate has its quirks, but the good news is — you’ve got two great windows every year for planting a new tree.

Spring Planting (April to June)

Spring is the most popular time to plant, and for good reason:

  • The soil is moist from snowmelt and spring rains.
  • The entire growing season lies ahead, giving roots time to settle in.
  • It’s easier to monitor early growth and watering needs.

Fall Planting (September to October)

Fall is often overlooked but just as effective:

  • Cool air and warm soil make ideal conditions for root development.
  • Less heat stress for your new tree.
  • Fall moisture (hello, NB rain!) helps naturally water the tree in.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait too late into the fall — you want to give the roots a good 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes.

When Not to Plant

  • Mid-summer (July–August): Heat and dry spells can stress new trees.
  • Late fall (November onward): Too close to frost, and roots won’t get established.

Whether you’re planting in the crisp fall air or after the spring thaw, you’ll be giving your tree the best shot at long-term success.

Picking the Perfect Spot in Your Yard

Choosing the right location for your tree is just as important as how you plant it. A well-placed tree can thrive for decades — a poorly placed one might struggle (or even cause problems down the road).

Think Sunlight First

Most trees — especially fruit, ornamental, and shade trees — love the sun. Aim for a spot that gets:

  • 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for fruit and flowering trees
  • Partial sun or filtered light for some evergreens and native shade-tolerant trees

Do a Quick Drainage Test

  1. You want your tree in soil that drains well — not in a soggy low spot. Here’s an easy way to test:
  2. Dig a hole about 12 inches deep.
  3. Fill it with water and let it drain.
  4. Refill it again.
  5. If the water drains within 2 hours, you’re good to go.

If it takes 4+ hours, consider raising the planting area or amending the soil with compost and sand.

Give It Room to Grow

Keep in mind how big the tree will be in 10–20 years, not just next spring!

  • Avoid planting too close to buildings, fences, or power lines.
  • Leave enough space for the roots to spread without crowding other plants or structures.
  • Allow air circulation between trees for disease prevention.

Tip from the nursery: If you’re not sure about mature size or spacing, bring a photo of your yard into the garden centre — we’ll help you plan it out.

Step-by-Step: 
How to Plant Your Tree Properly

Whether you’re planting a stately sugar maple or a sweet cherry tree, the process is mostly the same — and easier than you might think.

Here’s a tried-and-true method we use (and recommend) at Scott’s Nursery:

Unpack and Prep the Tree

Remove any packaging or burlap (unless it’s biodegradable).

If roots are dry, soak the root ball in water for about 30 minutes.

Gently loosen any circling roots to encourage outward growth.

Dig the Hole - Wide, Not Deep

Width: 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball.

Depth: The tree should sit at or just slightly above ground level. Don’t bury the trunk!

Rule of Thumb: "Plant it high, it won’t die. Plant it low, it won’t grow."

Check for Drainage 

(If You Haven’t Already)

This is a good moment to double-check — better now than later!

Add Bone Meal

Sprinkle bone meal in the bottom of the hole — it encourages strong root development without overwhelming the tree.

Don’t mix synthetic fertilizer into the hole — it can burn young roots.

Place the Tree

Make sure it’s straight!

Orient it correctly if it has a “best side” you want facing outward.

Backfill with the original soil, optionally mixed with a bit of compost.

Water Thoroughly

Water as you go — not just at the end. This helps settle the soil and remove air pockets.

Finish with a deep soak once the tree is in place.

Mulch (But Not Too Much!)

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch in a donut shape around the base — not a volcano!

Keep mulch 3–6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pests.

Stake (Only If Needed)

Most trees don’t need staking — but if yours is in a windy spot or has a small root ball with a tall canopy, use two stakes and soft ties for support.

Your tree is officially in the ground! 🌳 Let’s make sure it stays healthy by avoiding the most common mistakes — coming up next.

Common Mistakes 
(and How to Avoid Them)

Even experienced gardeners can make missteps when planting trees — but most of these are easy to prevent with just a bit of know-how.

Here are some of the most common pitfalls we see at the nursery:

Planting Too Deep

This is a big one!

  • Burying the trunk can lead to rot, disease, and poor root development.

Always plant the tree so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground.

Forgetting the Drainage Test

Not checking drainage can result in:

  • Waterlogged roots, especially in clay-heavy NB soils.

Always test the hole before planting. If it drains poorly, consider elevating the planting site or improving the soil.

"Volcano Mulching"

  • Piling mulch against the trunk traps moisture and invites rot and pests.

Apply mulch in a ring shape, leaving space between the trunk and mulch.

Skipping Root Prep

  • Leaving roots tightly wound (from pots or burlap) can stunt growth.

Gently tease out circling roots so they grow outward.

Overwatering or Underwatering

  • Too much water can drown roots.
  • Too little can dry them out.

In the first few weeks, water deeply once a week, unless there’s significant rain.

Fertilizing Too Soon

  • Synthetic fertilizers can burn delicate roots if applied right after planting.

Stick with bone meal to start — wait 6–8 weeks before considering other fertilizers.

Catch these issues early, and your tree will have a much smoother start. 

Extra Tips to Help Your Tree Thrive

Planting your tree is a big first step — now it’s time to give it a great start in its new home. These tips will help ensure it settles in, stays healthy, and starts growing strong.

Mark the North Side (Especially for Evergreens)

  • Trees grown in nurseries are used to a certain orientation to the sun.
  • Mark the north-facing side of the trunk before planting, and try to keep it facing the same way in your yard — it reduces transplant shock and sunscald risk.

Water Smart

  • New trees like deep, infrequent watering.
  • A good rule of thumb: about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or watering.
  • Use a soaker hose or water slowly at the base to encourage deep root growth.

Consider a Tree Guard

  • Deer, rabbits, and rodents love young bark — and not in a good way.
  • A plastic or mesh tree guard can help protect your sapling during the first couple of seasons.

Go Easy on the Pruning

  • In the first year, only remove:
    • Dead or damaged branches
    • Crossed branches that rub
  • Avoid major shaping or cutting — let the tree establish first.

Track Its Progress

  • Keep a simple garden journal or take monthly photos.
  • It’s a great way to track growth, troubleshoot issues, and celebrate milestones.

With a little care and attention, you’ll be surprised how quickly your new tree becomes a defining part of your landscape.

Living walls might look like a pro-level project, but now you know the truth: they’re totally doable, even for beginners. Whether you're working with a sunny kitchen wall or a backyard fence in need of a facelift, all it takes is a bit of planning, the right plants, and a willingness to experiment.

 

At Scott’s Nursery in Lincoln, we’re always here to help—from choosing the best soil and planters to recommending hardy perennials for your specific space. Our team loves seeing creative projects come to life, and we’d be happy to help you build your own vertical oasis.

Ready to Get Started?

  • Drop by the nursery for supplies, plant advice, or a quick chat—we’d love to hear your ideas.
  • Tag us on social media when you finish your wall—we’ll happily share your green masterpiece!
  • And if you have questions, just ask—we’re gardeners too.

Your wall of green is waiting!

Subscribe

To Join Our Mailing List And Never Miss A Monthly Newsletter!

Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Articles You Might Like

Related Products

Magnolia 'Royal Star'

$59.99
60 left in stock
OUT OF STOCK
Restock soon, PREORDER NOW!
HURRY! LET BUY NOW

60 left in stock

Pine 'Mugo' Dwarf

$34.99
12 left in stock
OUT OF STOCK
Restock soon, PREORDER NOW!
HURRY! LET BUY NOW

12 left in stock

Pine 'Austrian'

$34.99
7 left in stock
OUT OF STOCK
Restock soon, PREORDER NOW!
HURRY! LET BUY NOW

7 left in stock

Cedar 'Hetz Midget'

$34.99
12 left in stock
OUT OF STOCK
Restock soon, PREORDER NOW!
HURRY! LET BUY NOW

12 left in stock

Maple 'Amur Flame'

$39.99
12 left in stock
OUT OF STOCK
Restock soon, PREORDER NOW!
HURRY! LET BUY NOW

12 left in stock