Planting a tree might seem simple. Dig a hole, drop in the tree, cover it up, and water—right? Not exactly. There’s a lot more to it if you want your tree to grow strong, stay healthy, and live a long life. That’s where a certified arborist comes in.
Arborists are trained tree professionals. We understand how trees grow, what they need, and how to help them thrive in the landscape. Unfortunately, many landscaping companies don’t follow proper planting practices, and that can lead to big problems down the road.
Common Mistakes by Landscaping Crews
Many landscaping outfits are in a rush. They focus on speed and appearance, not long-term tree health. Some of the biggest mistakes we see include:
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Leaving the wire cage or burlap on the root ball. These materials are supposed to be removed or cut back significantly after the tree is placed in the hole. Leaving them on can choke the roots and stop the tree from establishing properly.
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Poor planting orientation. Trees have a “front” side and a “back” side, depending on how they grew in the nursery. Arborists know how to place the tree so it grows in the right direction and maintains good balance and form.
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No soil preparation. Healthy roots need healthy soil. Simply digging a hole in hard, compacted ground isn’t enough. Arborists assess and prepare the soil so roots can spread quickly and take hold.
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Planting too deep or too shallow. Trees should be planted with the root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) just at or slightly above ground level. Get this wrong, and the tree could suffer from rot, poor oxygen flow, or instability.
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Incorrect staking. One of the most damaging habits we see is staking every tree tightly with cables or wires. While it might look stable at first, this prevents the tree from developing natural strength. Trees need to move slightly in the wind to form proper trunk taper and build strong internal structure. Tightly bound trees can become dependent on the support—and when the stakes are removed, they may snap easily in a storm. Staking should only be used when absolutely necessary (like in high-wind areas), and even then, the cables should be loose, using soft, flexible material that allows some movement.
Letting Trees Grow Strong Naturally
Another mistake is trimming or shaping too early. Arborists understand the importance of internal hedging—the tree’s natural way of developing strong interior branching. When trees are allowed to grow and form inner strength before heavy pruning, they become more wind-resistant and resilient as they age. Cutting too much too soon weakens the tree and can ruin its natural form.
Picking the Right Tree: Why Arborists Do It Better
It’s tempting to head to the nursery and choose the biggest, prettiest tree you see. But what you can’t see might hurt your investment. Arborists know what to look for:
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Strong structure. We look for good branch spacing, a straight trunk, and a central leader (the main upward-growing branch).
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Healthy root system. A tree with circling roots or a pot-bound root ball can become unstable or stunted. We examine the roots before buying.
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Right tree, right place. Arborists consider the mature size of the tree, sun needs, soil type, and how it will fit into your property long-term.
Invest in Your Tree’s Future
Trees are a long-term investment. When planted correctly, they provide beauty, shade, cleaner air, and even increase property value. But if planted poorly, they may struggle for years—or even die early.
Hiring a certified arborist to plant your tree means you’re giving it the best possible start. You’ll save money on future repairs, replacements, and treatments by doing it right the first time.
And as always, save yourself time and stress, just call me!