Professional Tree & Shrub Planting
Proper planting technique is the difference between trees that thrive for 50+ years and those that decline within a decade. Our certified installers follow industry best practices refined for Minnesota's challenging conditions.
Tree Selection Guide
Minnesota Hardy Trees
| Category | Popular Species | Height | Spread | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Shade Trees | Red Maple, Hackberry, Bur Oak, Ironwood, Kentucky Coffeetree | 40-70 feet | 35-50 feet | $400-$1,200 |
| Medium Shade Trees | Honeylocust, River Birch, Red Oak, Sugar Maple | 30-50 feet | 25-40 feet | $350-$800 |
| Ornamental Trees | Serviceberry, Crabapple, Japanese Tree Lilac, Pagoda Dogwood | 15-30 feet | 15-25 feet | $250-$600 |
| Evergreen Trees | White Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, White Pine, Eastern Red Cedar | 25-60 feet | 15-30 feet | $300-$900 |
Shrub Selection Guide
Foundation & Accent Shrubs
Evergreen Shrubs
Arborvitae, Yew, Boxwood, Juniper
Height
3-12 feet
Uses
Foundation, screening, formal hedges
Price
$75-$350
Flowering Shrubs
Hydrangea, Lilac, Spirea, Ninebark
Height
3-10 feet
Uses
Borders, specimen, mass planting
Price
$45-$150
Deciduous Screening
Privet, Viburnum, Dogwood, Forsythia
Height
6-12 feet
Uses
Privacy, windbreaks, property lines
Price
$60-$200
Native Shrubs
Elderberry, Chokeberry, Sumac, Snowberry
Height
3-10 feet
Uses
Wildlife habitat, naturalizing, rain gardens
Price
$40-$120
Why Trees Fail
Common Planting Mistakes
Planting Too Deep
Root flare buried below soil leads to girdling roots, trunk rot, and eventual death within 5-15 years.
Our Solution: We excavate to expose root flare on every tree and plant with flare at or above soil level.
Volcano Mulching
Mulch piled against trunk holds moisture that causes bark rot and invites rodent damage.
Our Solution: We maintain 4-6 inch mulch-free zone around trunk, spreading mulch in a wide ring to edge of canopy.
Leaving Burlap On
Synthetic burlap and wire baskets prevent root expansion, causing trees to decline after 5-10 years.
Our Solution: We remove all wire baskets and synthetic burlap. Natural burlap is cut away from trunk.
Inadequate Water
Newly planted trees need 1 inch of water weekly for 2-3 years. Drought stress kills more new trees than any other factor.
Our Solution: We provide watering instructions, recommend drip irrigation, and offer maintenance programs.
Our Process
Professional Installation Steps
Site Assessment
We evaluate sun exposure, soil conditions, drainage, utilities, and mature size requirements. Trees are selected to thrive in your specific microclimate.
Utility Location
Gopher State One Call marks underground utilities. We verify clearance from overhead lines, easements, and setback requirements.
Hole Preparation
Holes are dug 2-3x wider than root ball but no deeper. Sides are scarified to prevent glazing in clay soils.
Root Flare Exposure
We excavate the root ball to expose the root flare—often buried 2-4 inches at nurseries. This critical step is often skipped by others.
Proper Installation
Tree is set at correct depth, backfilled with native soil, watered deeply to eliminate air pockets, and mulched properly.
Staking & Protection
Trees are staked for wind protection using flexible ties. Trunk guards protect against rodent and equipment damage.
Related Services
Complete Your Project
Softscape & Planting
Complete planting services including perennials, groundcovers, and garden installation.
Learn MoreLandscape Design
Professional design services to plan tree placement for mature growth and aesthetic goals.
Learn MoreIrrigation Systems
Drip irrigation ensures new trees receive consistent water during critical establishment period.
Learn MoreCommon Questions
Tree & Shrub Planting FAQs
Ready to Plant Trees That Last?
Let our experts select and install trees that will thrive for generations.
Get Your Tree Planting Quote