Tree Planting & Care

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today."

Things to consider when planting a tree in your yard:

  • Light Exposure: Does the site receive more than 6 hours of sunlight a day, or is it on the shaded north side of a house? Watch the spot you want to plant the tree throughout the day to see if it receives the right type of light exposure for the type of tree you plan to plant.
  • Soil Type: Is the ground well-draining, or does it become water-logged after a rainfall? Some trees can't tolerate wet soils, while others can't tolerate drought. Fridley typically has sandy, well-drained soils, but soil type can vary on a site-to-site basis. Keep this in mind when picking your tree.
  • Mature Size: Will the tree have room to grow, or will overhead lines, permanent structures or other obstructions interfere with its growth? Consider both the mature height and mature spread of the tree you want to plant.
  • Hardiness Zone: Is the tree able to stand up to Minnesota's harsh winters? Fridley is located in the USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. This means that you can plant any tree that is labeled Zone 4b or lower. Click here to discover tree for our region.
Volunteers Planting Trees

Pruning:

  • Avoid pruning trees from April to October.

Find additional information on tree selection and site survey on the University of Minnesota website.