Clear the area and remove all grasses and herbs within a 50 cm radius around the planting site. This step is essential to prevent your new tree from competing with other plants and to ensure a safe and unrestricted adaptation. Having said that, here are some recommendations for an adequate planting according to the characteristics of the place.
Choose the right species!
We encourage you to check which tree species is best suited for the location, considering both the environmental conditions and the tree’s characteristics. Think about the usual climate, sun exposure, and how frequently it can be watered.
We suggest native species such as Cedro (Cedar), Guayacán Trébol, Encenillo Tree, Flor de Mayo Orchid, Walnut (Nogal), Marmalade Bush, Chilca, or Wax Palm (Palma de Cera). These species contribute to carbon dioxide absorption, oxygen generation, soil protection against erosion, and conservation of native biodiversity.
You can’t always plant a tree!
Keep in mind that some times of the year are drier than others. That’s why we recommend planting at the beginning of the rainy season, to give the tree the moisture it needs to establish itself.
Clear the ground and remove nearby weeds
Clear the area and remove all grasses and herbs within a 50 cm radius around the planting site. This step is essential to prevent your new tree from competing with other plants and to ensure a safe and unrestricted adaptation.
Now: Dig the hole for your tree!
Digging a hole for a tree is not the same as for a small plant. Learn about the tree species and whether its roots will grow deep or wide in the future. Make sure the soil is loose, to help the roots take hold easily.
For most trees, the hole should be about 40 cm deep and 20 cm wide, though this may vary depending on the species.
Position the tree correctly in the ground
Make sure the trunk is upright, and refill the hole with the previously removed soil. First, clean the soil of stones or debris to prevent obstacles to root development. Firmly press down the soil to remove any air pockets that might harm the tree.
Protect your tree!
At the beginning, it is crucial to protect your tree from external threats like animals or weather. This ensures it grows steadily and establishes well.
Nourish it!
The soil won’t always be rich in nutrients. If needed, provide organic fertilizer or compost, placing it about 15 cm away from the trunk and using around 30–50 grams per spot.
And finally: keep an eye on your tree!
Don’t abandon your tree after planting. Continue to monitor its health and growth. Water it twice a week to maintain average soil moisture, remove surrounding weeds every three months, and fertilize every four months if needed.
Plant a tree – and give our planet one more breath of life!
Sources:
FAO. (2009). Como plantar un Árbol. Colección: El Monte Asturiano. Available at: https://www.fao.org/forestry/42699-03d582e9a4cf155861b78cb5365260c16.pdf
Red de Árboles. (2019). Ocho especies nativas para sembrar. Available at: https://www.reddearboles.org/noticias/nwarticle/384/1/ocho-especies-nativas-colombianas-para-sembrar