How to Prepare Soil for Bare Root Trees

Soil preparation is one of the most overlooked — and most important — steps in tree planting. Proper preparation dramatically improves bare root tree success.

Start with Drainage

Bare root trees need:

Well-drained soil
No standing water
Oxygen access to roots

Avoid low spots where water collects.

Dig Wide, Not Deep

The planting hole should:

Be at least twice as wide as the root spread
Be no deeper than the root system

Wide holes encourage lateral root growth.

Use Native Soil

Backfill with the soil you removed. This:

Prevents soil interface issues
Encourages roots to spread outward
Improves long-term stability

Avoid heavy amendments at planting.

Break Up Compacted Soil

Loosen surrounding soil to allow roots to expand easily. Compaction slows establishment.

Prepare Once, Succeed Long-Term

Good soil prep pays dividends for decades of healthy growth.

Plant bare root trees the right way with stock from BigBareRootTrees.com.