Spring is one of the most important seasons in the landscape industry. As the ground thaws and temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to plant trees, evergreens, and shrubs across Ontario.
At Uxbridge Nurseries, spring is our busiest season — with field-grown trees moving from farm to yard to job sites across the GTA and beyond. Proper spring planting ensures strong root establishment and long-term success.
Here’s everything you need to know for a successful spring planting season.
🌱 Why Spring Is Ideal for Planting in Ontario
Ontario’s climate makes spring one of the best times to plant because:
- Soil moisture levels are naturally higher
- Temperatures are moderate (not extreme heat)
- Roots establish before summer stress
- Trees break dormancy and begin active growth
For large-caliper field-grown trees, spring planting allows roots to adjust before peak summer temperatures arrive.
🌳 Best Trees to Plant in Spring (Zone 5–6)
Most hardy species perform very well when planted in spring.
Excellent Spring Choices:
🌳 Shade Trees
- Freeman Maple (Autumn Blaze)
- Red Maple
- Swamp White Oak
- Honeylocust
- Linden
🌲 Evergreens
- White Cedar
- Norway Spruce
- Serbian Spruce
- Colorado Blue Spruce
🌸 Ornamental Trees
- Serviceberry
- Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac
- Chanticleer Pear
- Flowering Crabapple
Spring planting gives these species a full growing season to establish roots.
🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Properly Plant a Field-Grown Tree in Spring
Proper technique matters — especially for Ball & Burlap (B&B) trees.
1️⃣ Dig the Right Size Hole
- Dig 2–3 times wider than the root ball
- Depth should match the root ball height
- Do NOT plant too deep
The root flare should be level with the surrounding soil.
2️⃣ Position the Tree Correctly
- Keep burlap intact while placing
- Ensure the tree stands straight
- Cut and fold back burlap once positioned
Remove any synthetic twine.
3️⃣ Backfill With Native Soil
Avoid heavy soil amendments.
Using native soil:
- Encourages roots to expand outward
- Prevents drainage issues
- Reduces transplant shock
Lightly tamp to remove air pockets.
4️⃣ Water Thoroughly
Immediately after planting:
- Deep soak the root zone
- Continue watering weekly (more in dry conditions)
- Adjust based on rainfall
Proper watering is the #1 factor in spring planting success.
5️⃣ Apply Mulch
Apply 3–4 inches of mulch:
- Keep away from trunk
- Create a wide mulch ring
- Retain moisture
- Regulate soil temperature
Avoid “mulch volcanoes.”
🌤 Spring Planting Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Planting too deep
❌ Forgetting to remove synthetic wrap
❌ Overwatering or underwatering
❌ Piling mulch against trunk
❌ Ignoring staking in windy sites
Small errors can affect long-term tree health.
🌿 Benefits of Spring Planting for Large-Caliper Trees
Field-grown trees planted in spring:
- Establish roots before summer heat
- Experience less transplant stress
- Adapt more quickly to site conditions
- Provide immediate landscape impact
- Show visible growth in the first season
For commercial and municipal projects, spring planting helps meet tight development timelines.
🏗 Commercial Spring Planting Considerations
For contractors and municipalities:
✔ Schedule early — availability moves fast
✔ Plan access for equipment (large caliper trees require machinery)
✔ Coordinate irrigation setup
✔ Protect from salt-damaged soils
✔ Monitor first-season watering carefully
Planning ahead ensures smoother installation.
🌲 Why Field-Grown Trees Perform Well in Spring
At Uxbridge Nurseries, our trees are:
- Naturally hardened to Ontario winters
- Dug at the appropriate time
- Carefully Ball & Burlapped
- Sized for professional landscapes
Because they’re grown in real soil conditions, they transition well to new planting sites.
🌼 Final Thoughts: Start the Season Strong
Spring planting sets the tone for the entire year. With proper planting techniques and consistent watering
