Planting Potted Trees: Dogwood Tips and Tricks

If you want to get started planting trees, planting potted trees is a perfect place to start. Discover how easy it is to care for and grow a Dogwood tree.

Planting Potted Trees

I recently planted bare root trees with my kids. It was amazing! And we are still caring for that baby tree and watching it grow together.

In fact, it was so fun that we wanted to plant another one. This time we chose to do a potted tree, a dogwood. Dogwoods are breathtakingly beautiful when they bloom in the spring and summer. Then they have the prettiest colors in the fall here in the Midwest.

It’s a no-brainer, really. My kids and I couldn’t wait to plant one. I wanted to experience the difference of planting a potted tree compared to the bare root one we planted earlier. Turns out, we like this way a lot more!

If you are a tad overwhelmed at the thought of taking care of a baby tree like this planted directly in the ground, I get it. It’s a bit more work for sure.

Planting potted trees is an easier way to grow a tree. And here’s why.

Potted Trees Are Affordable

This is a really economically smart way to dig into gardening for the first time. While bare root trees cost less than growing a tree in a container, container-grown ones are still an affordable option.

Potted Trees are Recognizable

This is one of my favorite reasons to plant trees in a container. When you are mowing, you can see the container/box a lot faster and quicker than a small twig in the ground.

Potted Trees are Super Easy to Care For

Finally, potted trees are just easier to care for. You can grow them inside if you don’t like going outside to take care of them. Just keep them near a window so that they get plenty of sunlight.

Common Myths of Fall Tree Planting

Can you plant trees in the fall? Yes, you can. There are lots of myths out there about tree planting. Arbor Day is celebrated the last Friday in April. So lots of people think you should only plant trees when the weather is warmer. Let me reassure you, you can plant trees any time of year.

Here are 3 common myths about fall tree planting.

Myth #1 – It’s Too Cold to Plant Trees in the Fall

Actually, fall is the best season to plant trees. It’s true! When you plant trees in the fall, you are giving them an entire growing season to gain strength before the harshness of summer.

Myth #2 – You Can’t Plant a Tree in the Snow

Nope! Actually, you can plant a tree in the snow. As the snow melts it will provide hydration for the new tree.

Myth #3 – Trees Will Die in the Cold

Trees won’t die in the cold. The only way they will suffer is if you fail to give them enough water. Even if it’s cold outside, make sure and water your baby tree.

Potted Trees: Dogwood Tips

My kids and I planted a dogwood tree. We cannot wait to see this grow and bloom on the side of our driveway. It is going to fill it with cheerful blooms.

Here are some tips I learned as I planted the dogwood tree with my kiddos.

Tip 1 – Use Good Quality Soil

The soil is where the tree will get its nutrients. When you are at the nursery, pick out a soil that will feed it and help it grow if you need to enrich your soil in the yard.

Tip 3 – Replant The Tree to the Same Level

Look at the container your dogwood tree came in. Put more soil in the ground t so that the tree is at the same level in this new home.

Tip 4 – Leave Room at the Top For Watering

When you put the tree in the ground, add mulch around the base of the tree. Leave a little space around the base for watering.

Tip 5 – Protect it From Harsh Hot Sunlight

Dogwoods are the perfect trees to plant in the fall because they don’t handle hot sunshine very well. If you live in cooler northern climate, you don’t need to worry about where to place the tree. But if you live somewhere that direct sunshine is super hot, consider putting the tree in a place where it won’t be basking in this light all afternoon.

Plant Trees As A Family

Planting trees is so good for our environment. When you plant trees as a family you are creating memories together. But you are also teaching your children how to take care of the earth too.

If you want any tips or ideas, go to the Arbor Day Foundation Blog. They have a ton of super helpful resources.

More Outdoor Family Ideas

Want some more ideas of things you can do as a family outside? Here are some of our favorites!

Head over to my Instagram Stories to see more of our Dogwood Tree planting. If you miss it, it will be highlighted in my stories under “Brands”.