SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Trees can lower your energy bills, add up to 21% to the value of your home, reduce air pollution, conserve water, and provide habitats for wildlife. But when is the best time, and what are the best methods, to plant a tree in the Shreveport area?

According to the LSU Ag Center, the best time to plant a tree is 50 years ago, but the second best time is now. You can plant a tree in a container any time of year, but it’s best to plant a tree in the ground in time for the tree’s roots to become established before the hot, dry season arrives.

Making a plan before you plant will help your new tree thrive in your yard.

Steps to take before planting a tree

• Before you do anything else, you’ll need to find the places on your property where you can plant trees. Do this by calling “Louisiana One Call” to locate the utilities that are buried in your yard. Their number is (800) 272-3020.
• Determine what kind of tree you want to plant. Planting native trees means less fuss, and buying trees from a nursery with a good reputation means you are more likely to purchase a healthy plant. When picking out a tree from a nursery, look for white and healthy-looking roots. Prune off dead, diseased, damaged, crossed, or rubbing branches.

Avoid these scenarios when planting a tree

• Don’t plant large trees under utility lines. Don’t block traffic signs or views at corners.
• Don’t plant trees or shrubs too close to ground transformers.
• Don’t plant trees too close to buildings.
• Don’t block windows or desirable views.
• Don’t plant a tree where roots will damage the pavement.
• Don’t space trees too closely to one another.
• Don’t plant trees above gardens that need sun.
• Don’t plant trees that will encroach on your neighbor’s property.

Follow LSU Ag Center’s tips for planting a tree and you’ll be saving money on utilities and increasing your home’s value in no time.

Tree-planting tips

• Look at light, soil, moisture, and tree spacing to select the right tree for the right place.
• Loosen an area two to five times wider than the tree’s root ball and dig to an 8” depth or so. This will make it easy for your tree’s roots to spread.
• Plant the tree slightly above the level it was at in the container. Remember that if the tree’s trunk is planted below ground, the bark can easily rot.
• Score the sides of small roots with a knife to encourage new root growth. Do not harm the root ball, though.
• Do not lift the tree after it has been planted, as the root ball may be damaged.
• Backfill the depths of the hole you planted the tree in with the original soil from the hole. Don’t add fertilizer yet.
• Top with mulch, as it slows water loss, reduces the growth of weeds and grasses, and helps moderate soil temperature.

For best results, water your tree often until it is well-established. Regular watering means 1” of water a week for a couple of years, but don’t drown your roots. And if you have any questions, contact your local LSU Ag Center.