Can You Plant Trees in Summer? Yes—Here’s How to Do It the Right Way

Many tree owners prefer to start trees in fall or spring, but it’s still possible to plant them during the summer. You’ll just need to give your trees a little extra attention.

There are many things to consider if you're growing trees when temps are high, from ensuring that they get plenty of water to being selective about the kind you plant. Here, we chatted with experts and learned how to make summer tree planting a success.

Species to Plant in Summer 

There are some trees that do better in dry conditions and heat, making them well adapted for summer planting. Black tupelo is a wonderful example.

“It’s a great small garden tree with stunning red and yellow leaves in the autumn,” says Andrew Fisher Tomlin, horticulturist and founding partner of Fisher Tomlin & Boyer. “It resents transplanting, so better to plant it as a small, containerized plant.”

Honey locust is another highly adaptable tree and can tolerate a variety of soils. “It’s an all-around winner and the only thing it really needs is full sun," he adds. "It can cope with exposed windy sites and is very drought resistant.”

The Mediterranean hackberry is another option—it has inconspicuous flowers, but a very long period of foliage. “It’s very adaptable, and enjoys a very sunny but more sheltered location, and it’s one of many drought-tolerant trees," says Tomlin.

Other trees that can thrive after a summer planting include crepe myrtle, lacebark pines, strawberry trees, sweetgums, yellowwoods, and cherry and fig trees.

Regions to Avoid Planting in the Summer

There are some trees that you should never plant in your yard, and there are others that should never be planted in certain states during the summer.

If you live in an area that's tremendously hot in summer, consider waiting until fall to plant your tree. This warning extends to Florida, Arizona, and parts of Texas, says Mark Brewer, owner of The Living Urn.

When planting or transplanting, trees need moderate weather and temperatures, and they need 3 to 6 months to settle and establish their roots before extreme temperatures start demanding energy to survive, he adds.

Waiting until spring or fall gives the tree time to adjust to its new environment. “The tree will grow new roots and take in enough of the nutrients it lost establishing itself in its new spot so it can take on the extreme cold or heat that comes next,” Brewer says.

How to Plant Trees in Summer

After choosing the right drought-resistant species, you’ll want to focus on watering. Here, Tomlin breaks down how to plant trees in the summer—and when you should water them.

1. Dig a hole in a square shape that's wider than the tree container, but no deeper than the tree’s rootball. “The square hole helps the new roots to spread out in all directions.”
2. Next, soak the root ball well and backfill with the soil you dug out, ensuring the flare of the tree (just where the trunk begins) is above soil level. “You can add some well-rotted compost into the backfill to add some extra water-retaining properties, but it's not essential."
3. Water your tree again.
4. Mulch well around the tree’s base, using 3 to 4 inches of bark mulch. This is very important to help keep the moisture in the soil around the tree.
5. For larger tree specimens, stake and support the tree. “If you’ve got pests like rabbits and deer, you might also want to provide a tree guard.”

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How to Care for the Tree After Planting 

Watering is essential. “The key to establishing your summer-planted tree is to make sure it gets consistent watering,” says Tomlin. Water three times a week through the hot season until the tree goes dormant. For deciduous trees, this is when they drop their leaves.

You don’t need to use fertilizer during the first year, just water and mulch. “If it does rain, don’t assume that it's enough for your new tree, and keep up with the consistent watering,” he adds.

When you get to autumn, he says, top up the mulch. Next spring, keep an eye on the weather. “I probably see more trees die in the late spring because owners have forgotten about their new tree and forget to water through the first dry spell," he says. "Your tree may have started to lay down a good root system, but a dry, cold spring can spell disaster unless you water.”

Drawbacks to Planting in Summer

Planting a tree during the summer is certainly possible, but it does come with a few caveats. Here are some drawbacks to planting during this time—keep them in mind so your tree can truly thrive.

Your Tree Will Need Lots of Water

Even the most heat and drought-hardy trees will need more attention when planted in summer. “Planting [anything] in the summer will just mean more attention to irrigation,” says Tomlin. “If you're going away for a long vacation, then you’d be better to wait until you return to plant.”

In other words, planting trees in summer requires regular watering, and someone will have to be on site to make sure the trees get enough hydration. Otherwise, be prepared to invest in an irrigation system, a simple drip line that surrounds the tree, or an individual tree soaker system.

You Might Need to Hire an Expert

Consider talking to a professional arborist about successfully planting in your area during the summer. “A young tree is a financial investment and will require a lot of water,” says Brewer, “which is also an additional cost—not to mention the time and attention needed to support a freshly-planted tree in the summer.”

It will certainly be an ongoing project, so having professional advice on hand might be worth the added costs.

The Tree Might Not Grow as Much

It’s possible that your new tree won’t experience any major growth in the first growing season. “That’s because it’s putting down strong roots and getting itself comfortable for next year when it’s likely to really get growing,” says Tomlin.

After all, the summer heat may be putting extra stress on the tree, so it's doing all it can to survive. “As long as you can see leaves at the end of the branches, you'll know that the moisture is getting to the extremes of your tree, and it’s settling in,” he says.