There’s nothing like planting a sapling. They’re so tiny, it’s almost unimaginable one day they’ll be towering trees. But with the right care from the start, they will!
Trees can provide us with shade and in some cases fruit to eat. They have the ability of improving our mental health provide oxygen for us to breath. Which, you know, is kind of important.
Devin and I try to plant a few trees every year on our land. It’s one way of saying thank you to a place that gives us so much joy. And plays a small part in the battle against deforestation and other unsustainable practices. So, if you’ve never planted a tree – you really should! While larger trees can be tricky to work with, often requiring special equipment to get them into the ground, saplings are super easy to plant.
No, I’m not an arborist, but I have planted a few trees in my life. So here are my five easy-to-follow steps. Hope you find them helpful!
Pick a Spot
Remember, saplings don’t stay sapling-sized forever. You need to give the little guy room to stretch out. Also take into account things like buried services and nearby power lines. Make sure the soil in the location isn’t too wet or too dry and that the tree will get enough sunshine.
Prepare the Area
Remove any grass or weeds within a 12 inch diameter of where you’ll be planting the sapling.
Dig the Hole
You usually only need a hole big enough to accommodate the root ball. Check on the label or with whomever sold it to you to learn about any special instructions. (Note that you could add fertilizer to the bottom of the hole, but if your tree is native to your area it should do just fine without it.)
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Plant the Sapling
Place the sapling in the hole. Make sure the stem is standing straight up and the top of the root ball is level or just below the top of the hole. Fill the hole with dirt and press firmly on the soil around the stem.
Give it a Drink
Give the sapling a good drink, but don’t water so much that a lake forms around its base. Because a newly planted tree can take several seasons to become established, the soil at its base should be frequently checked.
Those of you who visit Of Houses and Trees regularly know that I had a subscription incentive where I offered to plant a tree in honour of everyone who subscribed during the month of June. (And at the request of several of my previous subscribers, I also planted a tree for each of them.)
Recently, my family and I paid a visit to our land and fulfilled my promise. Our eldest was super into it (she’s such a little helper) and our baby was super into eating dirt, rocks and the saplings themselves.
Here’s a video of our tree planting extravaganza! Made all the more entertaining by my adorable children. (Please excuse my awkward rambling at the beginning… I’m still new to this YouTubing thing.)
Do you have any other tips on planting a sapling? Any good tree planting tales? My subscription incentive may be over (for now…), but you should subscribe anyway so you don’t miss any tree-lovin’ posts as well as posts on architecture, interior design, DIY projects, sustainability, home decor, crafts and gardening.
PIN ME!
Last Updated on April 17, 2024 (Originally Posted on July 9, 2017)
Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.
I’m here to help you green your home – and your life.
Subscribe to the Of Houses and Trees monthly newsletter and I’ll send you my FREE list of “The 8 Best Places to Buy Eco-Conscious Decor Online.”
What on earth is sustainable design? Learn all about this eco-focused design method and read the latest posts about green architecture, interior design and decor.
Sustainable living is more than just a thing treehuggers talk about. It’s about making conscious choices everyday. Read the latest posts on living with the planet’s wellbeing always in mind.
Visit the Of Houses and Trees sustainable product directory and support brands trying to make a difference in the world.
Find out more about our 40 acres of land in Parkland County, Alberta and the sustainable home we built amongst the trees.
Need help creating the home of your dreams? Care about the planet? You’ve come to the right place! check out my affordable, sustainable e-design services.
Having a had time choosing paint colours? I’ve got you – and your walls – covered with an interior paint palette sure to compliment your home.
Have questions about creating an eco-conscious home? Go ahead – ask me! Sign up for one of my free online interior design consultations and ask me anything you want.
The little saplings make my heart melt. They are so small and so green and so amazing. Looking at them made me realize a darn important thing too. I don’t know the difference in coniferous trees…
Looking at the little children also made my heart melt. Wonderful that those girls will have a chance to grow up and really appreciate nature. Getting a hands on feel (taste in the babies case) of the land and the beauty of giving more back to nature than we take.
Yes those little saplings sure are something aren’t they? Especially now that they’re starting to add growth – you just know they’re happy in their new home. And it’s very very important to us that our girls understand that the earth is something we are to appreciate and care for, not something to use and abuse. Hopefully they will help spread that sentiment as they grow themselves!
Good write-up. I certainly love this website. Stick with it!|
Thank you Loise!