Who Do You Hire to Plant Trees? A Complete Guide

Hiring a pro to plant your trees is a plant-astic choice

man planting large tree
Photo: ADDICTIVE STOCK/ Adobe Stock
man planting large tree
Photo: ADDICTIVE STOCK/ Adobe Stock
Breyden Kellam
Written by Breyden Kellam
Contributing Writer
Updated January 11, 2024
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Lush trees beautify your home and neighborhood while simultaneously helping the environment. If you’re ready to add new life to your yard, you’re likely wondering who to hire to plant trees for long-lasting and successful growth.

While it’s possible to plant trees as a DIY project, you could also hire a certified and experienced professional who is knowledgeable about the health of trees. In this guide, you’ll learn who to hire to plant trees and how the process works.

Benefits of Hiring a Tree Planting Service to Plant Trees 

While it’s possible to plant some varieties of small trees on your own, you could also hire a local tree planting service to do the job for you. These trained professionals have years of experience planting trees, and they have the knowledge and equipment to successfully incorporate them into your yard.

Tree planting pros can also help you determine the best tree type and placement based on your yard features and soil type. They’ll also take care of all the project’s heavy lifting, including delivering and planting small and large trees. Additionally, hiring a tree planting service will ensure that your trees are planted safely and comply with local tree laws.

Can I DIY Tree Planting?

man planting small tree
Photo: Автор / istock / Getty Images

You may consider a DIY tree planting project if you have a green thumb and the appropriate planting tools and materials. If you go this route, you’ll want to ensure that the tree is planted properly. Your tree’s longevity and health will depend on it. Knowing where to plant trees is also crucial, such as far away from utility equipment and your home’s foundation, while making sure it’s only on your property.

Even if you decide to plant the trees yourself, it’s still helpful to consult with a tree planting pro. They can offer guidance on choosing the right type of tree, a safe planting location, and the best planting practices. Keep in mind that the cost of planting trees starts at $100 for trees under 6 feet tall or $255 for trees under 10 feet tall.

Can I Hire an Arborist to Plant My Trees?

woman consulting professional about tree
Photo: Oleksii Syrotkin / Stocksy / Adobe Stock

In addition to hiring a tree planting service, you could also hire an arborist to plant your trees. An arborist is a highly skilled professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists receive extensive education on how to plant, nurture, and maintain trees and other woody plants. They know the science behind how trees grow, making them qualified to perform several tree care services.

A professional arborist can be certified or consulting. Certified arborists specialize in planting, pruning, removing, transplanting, and treating other issues pertaining to tree health. You’ll need to hire a certified arborist to plant trees, so be sure to confirm their qualifications before hiring them for your planting project. Keep in mind that hiring an arborist costs $50 to $150 per hour, and this expense will account for about 30% of the project cost.

How Do Tree Planting Professionals Plant Trees?

Using their expertise, tree planting pros will strategize the best way to plant your trees to ensure they grow in a safe and healthy way. Here’s a general overview of the tree planting process:

  1. Clear the area. 

  2. Dig a hole.

  3. Place the tree in the planted hole.

  4. Turn the tree, centering it in the best position. 

  5. Massage and backfill around the root ball.

  6. Create a watering berm.

  7. Remove the nursery stake.

  8. Install wooden stakes.

  9. Secure the rubber ties.

  10. Water the tree.

  11. Mulch the planted area.

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Learn more about our contributor
Breyden Kellam
Written by Breyden Kellam
Contributing Writer
Breyden is passionate about writing for the cost-conscious homeowner who wants to update their space for maximum enjoyment. When she isn’t reading up on the latest home design trends, she can be found looking for creative ways to spruce up her own space.
Breyden is passionate about writing for the cost-conscious homeowner who wants to update their space for maximum enjoyment. When she isn’t reading up on the latest home design trends, she can be found looking for creative ways to spruce up her own space.
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