Planting Your New Subaru Tree

Thank you for bringing home the benefits of trees and for being part of the largest corporate community tree distribution in our history. Learn about this historic partnership, your specific tree species, and how to successfully plant. Let’s get started.

Find Your Tree

Our partnership

Two individuals kneel on the grass, planting a young tree while applying mulch around its base. A house is visible in the background.

Find your species

Meet your tree

Select the species of tree you brought home from your Subaru retailer (noted on the tag that came on your tree) to download more detailed information on what to expect.

Choose an option

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houses surrounded by trees in neighborhood

Let's get planting

The first step is choosing where to plant your tree.

Consider how large your tree will grow and avoid obstacles like sidewalks and power lines. Think about shading windows or AC units to conserve energy and where your tree will get full or partial sun, depending on your species’ needs.

Call

A few days before you dig, call 811 to avoid any underground lines.

Illustration of an orange shovel digging into the ground, forming a V-shaped hole with dotted texture.

Dig

Dig a hole about three to four times as wide as the container with sloping sides.

Illustration of a hand shaking a container with a mesh bottom, with an arrow indicating movement towards a tree emerging from it.

Remove from pot

Lay your tree’s container on its side and tap to loosen the roots. Gently remove the tree and try to keep the soil around the roots intact. Sometimes, potted trees become root-bound. To loosen things up, cut a shallow X with a sharp knife across the bottom of the root ball and score four vertical slices along the sides.

Illustration of a hand holding a plant above soil with roots visible.

Center

Center your tree in the hole and adjust the depth so the root collar (where the uppermost roots grow out of the trunk) sits even with the ground.

Illustration of a tree root system in soil. Green arrows point downwards on either side. The soil is detailed with green and orange dots, highlighting layers.

Fill

Fill and firmly pack the hole until the soil is at ground level. Form a circular ridge of soil about 3 feet from the base of the tree to keep water from running away.

Illustration of a shovel inserting seeds into soil with visible roots, while a watering can pours water.

Mulch & water

Remove grass within 3 feet around the tree and add natural mulch about 2 to 4 inches deep. Keep mulch from touching the trunk.

Water daily for the first two weeks. Then, water every three to seven days during the first year. Tip: set a reminder, like "Water Wednesdays."

An illustration of a young plant with roots in a container, accompanied by pruning shears, symbolizing plant care and cultivation.

Remove tags

Remove any tags or labels from the tree as these will affect it as it grows.

A young boy in a blue hoodie joyfully carries a potted plant in a backyard garden.

Can’t plant right away?

Keep your tree in a cool, shaded place until you’re ready to plant. Remember to water your tree regularly to prevent the roots from drying. Please try to plant your tree within one month of receiving it.

Tree Care and Maintenance

Choose, plant, and care for the right tree for your space.

Mulching

An arborist explains the need for mulch and why trees need it.

Watering

Learn how much water your tree needs and how to avoid overwatering.

Pruning

Keep your trees in shape by following these pruning practices.

Making history in community trees

Over the last two years, Subaru retailers and the Arbor Day Foundation have planted and distributed 165,000 trees. That includes the largest corporate community tree distribution ever at more than 600 Subaru retailers from coast to coast. Learn more about this historic partnership and how more community trees make healthier, happier neighborhoods.