How to Plant Perennials, Shrubs & Trees
Planting your new garden additions is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. Whether you're adding colorful perennials, beautiful flowering shrubs, or a new tree to your landscape, proper planting helps establish strong roots and healthy growth.
A little preparation goes a long way toward helping your plants settle into their new home.
Before You Plant
Before getting started, choose the right location for your plant.
- Check the plant's sunlight requirements.
- Consider its mature height and width to allow enough room to grow.
- Choose an area with appropriate soil drainage.
- Avoid planting too close to foundations, walkways, or other plants.
- Check your soil conditions and amend with compost when appropriate.
A Planting Tip: Always refer to the individual plant description for specific growing requirements. Different varieties have different preferences for sunlight, soil, spacing, and moisture.
Step 1: Prepare Your Plant
Before removing your plant from its nursery container, water it thoroughly.
- Gently remove the plant from its container.
- Loosen any tightly circling roots around the outside of the root ball.
- If roots are severely matted, gently tease them apart or make a few shallow vertical cuts.
- Handle the plant carefully to avoid damaging stems and roots.
Step 2: Dig the Right-Sized Hole
Proper planting depth is essential for healthy root development.
- Dig a hole approximately 2–3 times wider than the root ball.
- Make the hole no deeper than the root ball.
- Loosen the soil around the sides of the hole to help roots establish.
- Keep the surrounding soil relatively undisturbed beneath the root ball.
The goal is to give roots plenty of room to spread while keeping the plant at the correct height.
Step 3: Position Your Plant
Place your plant in the center of the hole.
- For perennials, position the crown at the soil level indicated for that variety.
- For shrubs, keep the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
- For trees, locate the root flare and make sure it remains visible at or slightly above finished grade.
Avoid planting too deeply, as buried crowns and trunks can lead to rot and other problems.
Take a moment to make sure your plant is positioned upright and facing the direction you prefer.
Step 4: Backfill the Hole
Once your plant is properly positioned, begin filling the hole.
- Use the original soil removed from the planting area.
- Break apart large soil clumps as you backfill.
- Gently firm the soil to eliminate large air pockets.
- Avoid compacting the soil too tightly.
- Water lightly as you backfill to help settle the soil around the roots.
In most cases, avoid filling the planting hole with rich compost or fertilizer alone. Roots need to establish in the surrounding native soil.
Step 5: Water Thoroughly
Watering immediately after planting helps settle the soil and reduce air pockets around the roots.
- Water slowly and deeply around the root zone.
- Allow water to soak into the soil rather than running off the surface.
- Continue monitoring soil moisture during the establishment period.
- Water more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials need consistent moisture while their roots become established.
Step 6: Add Mulch
Mulch helps protect the root zone and maintain more consistent soil moisture.
- Apply approximately 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the planting area.
- Extend mulch over the root zone when practical.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from stems and tree trunks.
- Avoid piling mulch against the base of plants.
Mulch also helps suppress weeds and regulate soil temperatures.
Plant Spacing: Give Your Garden Room to Grow
One of the most common planting mistakes is placing plants too close together.
Always consider the mature width of a plant rather than how large it looks when it arrives.
Proper spacing allows for:
- Healthy air circulation.
- Better sunlight exposure.
- Room for roots to establish.
- Reduced competition for water and nutrients.
- A fuller, more natural-looking landscape as plants mature.
Some gardeners prefer a fuller look, while others enjoy a more spacious design. Just remember that plants grow!
Common Planting Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple mistakes can make it harder for plants to establish.
- Planting too deeply: Keep crowns and root flares at the appropriate soil level.
- Digging too deep: Planting holes should not be deeper than the root ball.
- Overwatering: Soil that stays consistently saturated can cause root problems.
- Underwatering: Newly planted plants need consistent moisture.
- Planting too close together: Allow room for mature growth.
- Piling mulch against stems: Keep mulch away from the base of plants.
- Ignoring sunlight requirements: Choose a location that matches the plant's needs.
Helping Your Plants Establish
The first growing season is especially important for newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials.
During this time:
- Check soil moisture regularly.
- Remove weeds competing for water and nutrients.
- Monitor for signs of stress or pests.
- Avoid unnecessary pruning or fertilizing.
- Protect vulnerable plants from extreme weather when appropriate.
Some plants establish quickly, while others take several growing seasons to become fully settled.
A Garden Takes Time
A beautiful landscape doesn't happen overnight. Give your plants time to establish, grow, and fill their space.
With proper planting, consistent care, and a little patience, your new garden additions will reward you with years of beauty.