5 Tree Planting Mistakes to Avoid in Ontario
Planting a tree is one of the best long-term investments you can make for your property. But if it’s done incorrectly, that investment may struggle to thrive—or fail altogether.
Here are five common tree planting mistakes Ontario homeowners make, and how to avoid them.
We’ve included tips specific to Niagara’s unique soil and climate conditions.
Click on these links to learn more about each option:
If you’re unsure about the right tree for your property or want expert help with planting, contact Gauld Nurseries and visit us today.
Key Takeaways: Tree Planting Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t plant too deep — keep the root flare visible above ground.
Choose the right site by considering sun, wind, soil, and mature size.
Prep Niagara soils: loosen clay or enrich sandy soil with compost.
Water deeply once or twice a week, not shallow and daily.
Plan for long-term care with proper staking, pruning, and monitoring.
1. Planting Too Deep
The tree planting mistake: Many homeowners mistakenly bury the trunk too far underground, thinking it provides more stability.
In reality, planting too deep cuts off oxygen to the roots, encourages rot, and can even suffocate the tree before it establishes.
What to do instead: Always identify the root flare—the area where the trunk widens at the base. This should sit just above ground level. Covering it with soil traps moisture against the bark, leading to decay.
In Niagara’s clay-heavy soils, which tend to hold water, planting too deep can be especially harmful because excess water accumulates around the roots. Planting slightly higher than ground level in these soils allows better drainage.
2. Poor Site Selection
The tree planting mistake: Choosing a planting spot without considering long-term growth, sunlight needs, or surrounding conditions. This often leads to trees that are too close to buildings, under power lines, or in soil where they can’t thrive.
What to do instead: Think about the tree’s mature size, not just how it looks now. A sugar maple or oak may seem small at planting, but over time, its canopy can spread 40+ feet.
In Niagara, microclimates play a big role—low-lying areas tend to trap cold air, which can damage sensitive species like Japanese maples or fruit trees. Wind-exposed sites may also stress young trees unless you choose a hardy species or provide staking. A simple site assessment now prevents costly removals later.
3. Skipping Soil Preparation
The tree planting mistake: Dropping a tree into hard, compacted ground and hoping the roots will “figure it out.” Roots that can’t spread easily result in weak, shallow growth.
What to do instead: Niagara soils range from dense clay in some areas to sandy loam closer to the lake. Both extremes require preparation. For clay, dig a wide planting hole (at least twice the root ball width), loosen compacted soil, and mix in organic matter like compost to improve drainage.
For sandy soils, add compost to improve water retention and prevent roots from drying out too quickly.
Avoid the temptation to add too much fertilizer at planting—it’s better to build healthy, balanced soil structure.
4. Neglecting Watering Practices
The tree planting mistake: Either drowning the roots with constant watering or letting them dry out between rains. Both stress a young tree and slow its establishment.
What to do instead: The first season is critical. Water deeply and infrequently—about once or twice per week, depending on rainfall. The goal is to soak the soil enough that water reaches the root zone, encouraging deep root growth. Shallow, daily watering causes roots to stay near the surface, making the tree vulnerable during droughts.
In Southern Ontario, hot summers mean newly planted trees dry out faster, while spring rains may saturate the ground.
Mulching 2–3 inches around the base (but not touching the trunk) helps conserve moisture, keep roots cool, and reduce competition from weeds.
5. Forgetting About Long-Term Care
The tree planting mistake: Believing a tree is “low-maintenance” once it’s planted. Without ongoing care, it may struggle with pests, disease, or poor structure.
What to do instead: Provide the right support in the first few years. If your site is windy, stake the tree loosely so it can sway and build trunk strength. Monitor regularly for pests—Niagara homeowners, for example, should watch for issues like emerald ash borer or scale insects.
Prune only to remove broken or crossing branches; heavy pruning too early weakens growth. And remember, over-fertilizing is just as harmful as neglect.
In Ontario’s naturally nutrient-rich soils, less is often more—your tree will benefit more from good watering and mulching habits than from extra fertilizer.
Growing with You Since 1950
Avoiding these tree planting mistakes will give your new deciduous or fruit tree the best chance to thrive in Niagara’s soil and climate.
If you’re unsure about the right tree for your property or want expert help with planting, we can help. Our team can guide you from selection to planting, ensuring your tree grows healthy for years to come.
When you choose Gauld Nurseries, you're not just getting materials—you’re getting trusted local expertise and high-quality products tailored to Southern Ontario landscapes.
Reliable performance for both structural and decorative projects
Locally sourced materials are compatible with Niagara’s soil and weather
Expert guidance from a team that understands your vision and project needs
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time tree planter, Gauld Nurseries is here to help you get it done right.
Explore our wide selection of healthy trees, planting supplies, and soil amendments. Our friendly team will guide you in choosing the right tree for your property and provide expert advice on planting and care.
Plant with confidence. Grow for generations.
Contact us now or stop by the nursery to get your project off to a strong start.
“I’ve purchased trees and plants from Gauld’s over the years, but I had never considered their landscaping services—until now. I had the pleasure of working with Alex to design my front yard and side entrance. She truly listened to my likes and dislikes, and came up with a thoughtful plan. After taking some time to consider it, I returned with a few changes in mind. Alex was understanding and accommodating, and never once made me feel like an inconvenience... Thank you, Alex, for collaborating with me and bringing the vision to life—and thank you to Tom, Andy, and their crews for your attention to detail and dedication to quality. I highly recommend Gauld’s for both landscaping and plant selection—you won’t be disappointed.”
