How to Plant Trees From Seed

Overview

Planting a tree from seed allows you to choose what kind of tree grows in your yard. You not only get the opportunity to choose the tree variety, but also where the tree will grow. Tree seeds can be collected from almost anywhere. Growing a tree does not take much in the way of supplies. Growing a tree in your yard from seed can add the perfect accent to a garden needing shade or a piece that really sticks out from the rest.

Planting Your Tree

Step 1

Collect seeds from the woods or from a tree that is already growing on your property. Choose a seed that is local to your environment so that it grows healthy.

Step 2

Plant your seed in a container such as a small pot used for gardening or an old plastic container with holes cut in the bottom to drain water. Fill the container with a mixture of compost and sharp sand. Place a small amount of seed on top of the soil and cover it with sand. Plant acorns and nuts at a depth of 1 1/2 times their length.

Step 3

Place your container in an area free from frost and vermin. Place chicken wire around the container to keep out animals. Keep your container safe from frost and wind by placing it by the wall of a house. If you are planting more than one variety, label the pot for identification purposes. Leave the plant over the autumn and winter to allow it time to grow.

Step 4

Water the compost in the spring without water-logging the sapling. After the young sapling has grown to 20 to 40 cm, it should be planted in a location that will allow it to grow to its full height. Place mulch around the sapling to keep away weeds. If you have lots of animals in your area that may eat the young tree, place a tree guard around it.