Guide to Planting Habitat Trees

Planting habitat trees is a powerful way to enhance wildlife nutrition, improve biodiversity, and shape your land for generations. This guide walks you through the complete process of planting trees using a tree survival kit, ensuring your young trees thrive in their new environment.

Tools & Materials Needed

Before getting started, make sure you have the following:

  • Shovel or post hole digger
  • Stake (not included in the kit): options include treated wooden stakes (white oak or pine), ¾" PVC, rebar, or t-posts (avoid bamboo)
  • Tree survival kit, which includes:
    • 3x3 ft weed mat with staples
    • 5 ft tree protector tube with resealable zip ties
    • Bird net
    • NutriPro two-year fertilizer pack

Step 1: Site Prep

Use a weed eater or similar tool to scalp a 3x3 ft area around the planting site. This clears weeds and reduces competition, setting the stage for healthy root growth.

Step 2: Dig the Hole

Use your shovel or post hole digger to create a hole deep enough so that the tree collar sits level with the ground. Test the depth by placing the potted tree in the hole.

Step 3: Install the Stake

Place your stake 14–16 inches deep into the ground. You can do this before or after planting the tree. Orient the stake toward prevailing winds for added support.

Step 4: Prepare the Tree (If Using a Biodegradable Pot)

If your tree comes in a sock pot, make four evenly spaced vertical slits in the mesh with a razor blade. This helps roots spread faster. You can plant the entire sock pot or remove it.

If using plastic pots or root trapper bags, completely remove the container before planting.

Step 5: Add Fertilizer

Place the NutriPro two-year fertilizer pack at the bottom of the hole. Cover it with a thin layer of dirt to prevent direct root contact and allow slow nutrient release with rainfall.

Step 6: Plant the Tree

Place the tree on top of the covered fertilizer pack. Ensure the collar is level with the ground. Use the dirt you removed earlier to fill in the hole, breaking up clumps and eliminating air pockets that could harm root development. Pack the soil firmly around the base. If water is available, saturate the soil in the hole to remove any remaining air pockets.

Step 7: Assemble and Install the Tree Tube

You can preassemble the tree protector tube the night before:

  1. Roll the tube and align the holes.
  2. Insert four resealable zip ties to form the cylinder.
  3. Position the tube around the tree and zip tie it to the stake, starting from the bottom.
  4. Make sure the flat side of the zip tie is on the flat surface of the stake for easy removal if pruning is needed later.
  5. Fold back any sharp plastic tabs at the top to protect the emerging tree.

Step 8: Install the Weed Mat

  1. Find the X-cut in the middle of the weed mat and slide it over the tree tube and stake.
  2. Flatten the mat around the base.
  3. Create “dog ears” on each corner (fold the corners under).
  4. Staple all four corners down to hold the mat in place. This controls weed competition and provides drought protection for 4–6 weeks.

Step 9: Apply the Bird Net

Stretch the bird net over the top of the tree tube. This prevents birds from perching and damaging your young tree. Remove it once the tree reaches 4 feet tall to avoid growth interference.

Additional Tips

  • For larger, older trees (2–3 years), the kit still works—just form the tree tube around the tree using the zip ties.
  • Always pre-form your tubes in advance when possible to save time and hassle in the field.

By following these steps, you give your habitat trees the best chance at long-term survival and growth. A little extra effort upfront makes a huge difference in establishing a healthy and productive wildlife property.