Plant a Tree for Wildlife

Trees play a major role in providing food and shelter to wildlife. Trees also produce lots of oxygen and absorb and store carbon. So trees play an important role in curbing climate change.

Let’s Get Started

Prepare

Select a site for planting your tree. You may need to get approval to plant a tree in certain places.

Choose a type of tree that is native to your area. Go to http://nwf.org/NativePlants to find out which trees are native to your area. Native trees grow better in your environment, and they support the local ecosystem.

Think about what is above, below, and around your tree to make sure the size and type are appropriate for the location. Will your tree get enough sunlight?

Have an adult join you to help you plant your tree.

Plant

Dig a round hole at least one foot in diameter. Make a small mound of soil in the bottom of the hole.

Take the seedling from the bag and spread the roots out in all directions, using the mound as root support. Pull loose soil back over roots, filling the hole halfway.

Lightly pat the soil down or fill with water. Backfill the rest of the hole with soil again or re-water.

Do not compact the soil. Soil compaction eliminates oxygen, which roots need to survive!

Be sure the seedling root collar (where it was planted in the nursery) is at the finished soil level. Watering is the best method to settle the soil, eliminate air pockets and provide moisture to the root system.

Document Your Discoveries

Bonus: Plant more trees with Trees for Wildlife™, inspired by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.

Let’s Get Started

Prepare

Plant

Document Your Discoveries