Planting a tree is more than just digging a hole in the ground; it’s an investment in the environment, your property, and future generations. Trees beautify a landscape and offer essential benefits, such as cleaner air, energy savings, wildlife habitat, and increased property value. With the right approach, you can ensure your tree thrives for decades to come. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you successfully plant and nurture a tree, incorporating the proven RPM® (Root Production Method) technology for faster growth and higher survival rates.
Why Trees Matter
Trees are vital to sustaining life on Earth. They provide homes for countless species, and shade, and contribute to the health of our ecosystems. Planting a tree is a meaningful way to give back to the planet and create a legacy. Forrest Keeling’s mission to restore ecosystems one tree at a time exemplifies the positive impact of tree planting. Their RPM® technology, developed after the devastating 1993 floods along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, is a game-changer in native tree propagation.
What Is RPM® Technology?
The RPM-production® technology is a patented propagation method that tackles the challenges tied to traditional bare root stock, such as slow growth and low survival rates. By promoting accelerated lateral root mass development, RPM ensures that trees establish quickly and flourish. Studies show that RPM trees achieve a 95% survival rate, reach maturity faster, and bear fruit sooner than conventional trees. Choosing an RPM tree represents a wise investment with both personal and ecological advantages.
When to Plant Your Tree
Timing is critical for successful tree planting. The ideal planting season depends on your region, but in the Midwest:
- Fall planting (October 20 to December 10): Cooler air temperatures, warm soil, and abundant rain create optimal conditions for root development before winter.
- Spring planting (March 1 to April 30): While it is somewhat less ideal, spring planting remains effective. It gives the tree time to acclimate before the summer heat sets in.
Six Steps to Planting Success
1. Give ‘Em Room
Prepare a planting hole that is twice as wide and slightly shallower than the tree’s root ball. Roughen the sides of the hole to promote root penetration and growth. This additional space helps roots establish quickly.
2. Ready Your Tree
Place the tree on its side and tap the container to loosen the root ball. Take out the container and gently spread the roots outward. Trim any long or crooked roots to encourage uniform growth.
3. Prepare the Soil
Combine compacted soil with compost in a 50/50 mix. This enriched, loosened soil provides additional nutrients and the environment necessary for new roots to thrive.
4. Stand Up Straight
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it stands upright. If necessary, adjust the root ball and backfill underneath to fix its alignment. Proper positioning helps prevent the trunk from developing an abnormal shape. Always lift by the root ball, not the trunk. Most of the tree’s roots grow in the top 12 inches (30 cm) of soil. Planting too deeply can harm the tree.
Be sure to leave the root crown, or root flare visible at or slightly above ground level. The root crown is the point where the trunk connects to the roots, and keeping it exposed allows for adequate air circulation and prevents potential rot from excessive moisture at the trunk’s base. Covering the root crown with soil can severely harm the tree’s health by restricting root growth and oxygen supply, resulting in stunted growth, girdling roots, and, ultimately, tree decline.
5. Get a Good Start
Backfill the hole with loosened soil, adding water as you go. A root stimulator can accelerate the development of feeder roots. Firm the soil to stabilize the tree and eliminate air pockets.
6. The Grand Finale
Apply three to four inches of hardwood mulch around the tree but avoid piling it against the trunk. A mulch-free area of one to two inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wide at the base of the tree will help prevent bark decay. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weed growth. For larger trees, consider using tree wrap to protect against wildlife damage and sunscald, along with stakes to ensure upright growth.
Provide follow-up care. Keep the soil moist by watering thoroughly at least once a week if there is no significant precipitation. Water more frequently during hot, windy weather.
Download our guide sheet, ‘How to Plant Your RPM Tree,’, for more details.

How to plant your RPM TrEe
Your Contribution to Ecosystem Restoration
Planting a tree is a simple yet impactful act that supports local ecosystems and biodiversity. By choosing Forrest Keeling’s RPM-produced® trees, you ensure faster establishment and healthier growth. Whether you plant one tree or start a liner nursery, your efforts make a meaningful difference.
Join Forrest Keeling’s mission to restore Earth’s ecosystems one tree at a time. Together, we can create a greener, healthier planet for future generations.