Tree Planting Resources

Tree Planting Resources

Planting a tree? You can do it! Here are some resources that might help your tree survive for its full lifetime.

​A Pocket Guide to Planting Trees
Download ReLeaf Michigan’s guide for tips and advice on when and how to plant trees. By following these tips, you can make sure your trees have the best chance of adapting to their new ground and staying healthy.

Tree Owner’s Manual for the Midwest
From selecting trees to planting and caring for them, this is a great guide for any property owner. Created by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

MDNR Recommended Species List
This list from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources offers an easy way to sort and search for species based on various qualifications.

DTE Tree Species Chart
Courtesy of DTE, this chart details trees that are suitable for planting in Southeast Michigan and lists characteristics about each species to help you find the perfect tree for your needs.

“How to Plant a Seedling” YouTube video
ReLeaf Michigan staff takes you step by step through planting a seedling. Learn from watching our team at work!

​How to Plant an Oak Seedling (PDF)
ReLeaf Michigan’s how-to guide for planting an oak seedling with the best chance of it remaining healthy into adulthood. While this was created for planting oak seedlings, most of the steps can be applied to a variety of tree types.

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Post-Planting Care for Street Trees
A newly planted tree will require some attention from time to time throughout its life. The most important period of survival is the first few years following the planting.

  • Give your tree a strong start by watering it once a week during the first two years, each year until the ground freezes, then once a month over the next two summers. It should be watered deeply (12” to 18”) so that the water can soak down to the depth at which it may be used by the tree. A good watering is 15 gallons applied slowly, with a soaker hose or a hose on a slow trickle, for approximately 30 minutes within the mulched area around the tree.
  • Try to keep grass and weeds away from the base of the tree, as they tend to use water and nutrients that should go to your tree. A three-inch thick mulch of wood chips around the tree helps retain moisture and discourages weed growth. When mulching, be sure to keep the trunk dry by creating a mulch-free doughnut around the base of the tree.
  • Avoid spraying any broad-leaf weed killers, such as weed and feed, turf builder, etc., near the base of your tree. Also, weed whips and mowers can cause death due to repeated trunk injury.