Tree Planting Time Upon Us

Now is the time to be thinking about planting trees. In Oklahoma, trees should be planted in early December through March, while they are in the dormant stage; however, planting into frozen soil should be avoided. Planting should begin with selecting an appropriate site, then selecting a tree that is adapted to that soil type and climate.

Trees can be purchased as bare-root, balled and burlapped, or potted. It is important to insure that roots are kept moist until planting. Trees should be planted at the same depth as they were before being prepared for sale. There will be a noticeable color and texture change between the beginning of the stem and the roots. Planting too deep is a common cause of tree fatalities. Make sure the roots extend straight to the bottom of the hole. “J” rooting the roots will stunt the growth of the tree. Soil should be worked and firmed around the roots until the hole is full, then the soil should be soaked and allowed to settle. After the soil has settled, the hole should be refilled and soaked until it is level with the natural ground.

Weeds growing near a newly planted tree will compete with the tree for nutrients and moisture; therefore, weeds must be controlled to insure the tree is not stressed. As needed, water and fertilize the tree. Young trees need to be watered regularly until their roots grow enough to reach water deeper in the soil.

Applications can be obtained from local NRCS offices for trees through the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Forestry Services. For further information and assistance, contact your local NRCS Field Service Center.

All programs and services of the Natural Resources Conservation Service are provided in a nondiscriminatory manner. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, rental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

< Back to Generic Releases