How to Embrace the Tree

Find a location to plant a tree. This is rather easy to do if you own land, but make arrangements with a private (or public) landowner if you do not own land. When selecting your spot, check overhead conditions for existing obstacles and be observant as to amount of direct sun, soil type and moisture.

Choose a tree that fits your site requirements. Probably the most important thing to note is the tree's overall height. Other important considerations are moisture requirements, growth rate, root type, soil, air quality and leaf type (evergreen or deciduous).

Visit a nursery and, with the aid of one of the plant professionals, select a young sapling to plant in your chosen location. Or go to the next step and propagate your own tree from seeds and cuttings.

Observe the trees that grow near where you live. Seeds can be collected from wild trees in the late fall and then planted the following spring, but only if they are exposed to the same conditions that they would receive if left outdoors all winter. Other trees and shrubs such as the deciduous holly, dogwood, azalea, elderberry, juniper, magnolia, evergreen holly and paw-paw take well to sprouting new individuals from fresh cuttings.

Dig a small hole in the ground at the desired location. This excavation should only be slightly larger than the root system of the plant that you are introducing to the new location.

Pack (gently) loose soil around the root system until the tree stands erect.

Keep the tree watered according to its moisture requirements.

Watch the tree as it grows. Observe when it flowers and drops its leaves, what animals and insects are attracted to it and how it changes shape as it matures.