• Choose at least a five to six-foot tree grown to nursery standards.
• Select a site with enough room for roots and branches to reach full size. Avoid overhead and underground utilities.
• Prepare a planting area as deep as the root ball and three to five times its diameter by loosening the soil. Dig a hole in the middle of the area. In heavy clay soil, plant 2-3 inches above the base of the trunk flare (where the roots meet the main stem) rather than at or below the original growing level. If the soil is very sandy, then plant at grade so that the soil at the top of the root ball doesn't erode or dry out. Overall, plant the root ball so that once some settling of the soil occurs, the trunk FLARE is at grade level.
• Use water to settle soil and remove air pockets in planting area.
• Stake the tree to flex with the wind only if tree is unable to stand up to wind.
• Spread a two to three inch layer of mulch on entire area, but not within six inches of tree trunk.
• Don't forget, American Forests can plant trees for you as part of our Global ReLeaf program. Each tree is planted in restoration projects taking place in the U.S. and around the world. .

How to Plant a Tree Seedling

1. Plant your seedling as soon as possible - in cooler climates, before the first frost. If first frost has occurred already, then plant your tree indoors and transplant it once the chance of frost is over. (See instructions below .)
2. Prepare a planting area where the seedling will have adequate space to grow into a full sized tree both above and below the ground. (Pay special attention to utility wires.)
3. Place the root collar (the place where the roots join the stem) at soil level.
4. Settle soil with water to avoid air space.
5. Protect seedling from damage caused by feet, lawnmowers, pets, etc.

How to plant a tree seedling indoors
(If weather precludes outside planting):

1. Place seedling in a container that is at least 6 inches deep and has several drainage holes.
2. Pack the soil around seedling, completely covering the root collar.
3. Water well after planting and place seedling in a bright room; direct sunlight is best.
4. Keep moist by watering as needed and transplant outside when weather permits.

Where to Plant Trees for Energy Conservation and More

Planting trees around your home will conserve energy and lower the cost of utility bills. Three well-placed deciduous (leaf-losing) trees on the east, south, and west sides of a home will shade it from summer sun and lower air conditioning costs by 10 to 50 percent. In addition to saving money, conserving energy directly translates to less carbon dioxide produced at the power plants.