How to Plant Tree Seedlings on a Hillside

Planting Method

• When planting tree seedlings on a hillside, disturb the slope's soil as little as possible. Because tree seedlings are so small, not much disturbance is necessary. Dig into the hillside soil to carve a flat or terraced space in which to plant one seedling. Create a hole in the terraced site that's about three times the size of the seedling's roots. The seedling needs to be planted at the same soil depth as the soil depth at which it grew previously. Arrange the seedling in the hole at that soil depth, and fill the rest of the hole with soil, patting it firmly into place. Mound the soil slightly on the downward side of the slope to create a trench around the tree to catch water and hold it for absorption by the tree's roots. The seedling must be vertically straight -- pointing in the same direction it would point if it weren't on a hillside -- when you're finished planting it. Water the young tree liberally after planting. Plant each tree seedling by using the same techniques you used to plant the first tree.

Additional Security Methods

• If the seedlings are planted securely, it should take considerable amounts of wind or rain to dislodge them. If necessary, secure a pail or garbage bin on top of each seedling when storms approach. Drill holes in the rim of the containers first, and use tent stakes through the holes to secure the containers around the trees with until the storms have passed. As the seedlings grow, periodically check whether or not they continue to grow straight vertically. Stake the trees to keep them straight, particularly if they lean too far in one direction.

Seedling Benefits and Challenges

• Many gardeners prefer to plant tree seedlings -- young, small plants grown from seeds -- instead of somewhat larger specimens, which are more expensive. Tree seedlings are also easier to plant, each needing only a small hole. In spite of their benefits, the seedlings are vulnerable due to their youth and size. Unfortunately, strong winds and torrential rains can quickly dislodge tree seedlings from the places where they were planted, and freezing temperatures can kill them.

Hillside Benefits and Challenges

• In spite of sounding like more trouble than it's worth, planting on a hillside offers benefits. Plant roots in the hillside's soil help minimize erosion by holding the soil in place. Mature trees on a slope also reduce the wind that sweeps up and down the hillside, protecting nearby structures from gusts. On the flip side, however, hillside trees not planted correctly can die from lack of water when water is allowed simply to run down the slope rather than being directed to the trees' roots. Also, trees on a slope may become unsteady as they grow larger, particularly when they were not planted correctly.