The date, shifted up from national Arbor Day in April, is situated at an ideal planting time for trees in Florida. The state’s warmer climate sends trees into a state of dormancy this time of year, which means transplanting is less stressful for the trees and increases the chance of survival in a new landscape.

Interested in planting a tree in celebration this year? Here are some tips from UF/IFAS Extension experts to keep in mind.

• Select a Florida-Friendly tree best suited for your region.
• Once ready to plant, dig the hole 1.5 times the width of the root ball or container size being planted.
• Find the topmost root. This must be planted at, or an inch or two above, ground level.
• Fill the soil around the root ball, but do not cover it.
• Place a layer of mulch 3 inches thick around the tree, leaving a donut-shaped ring around the trunk and root ball.
• Water within the donut of mulch. Remember to never pile mulch around the trunk of a tree.

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