· Hernandez Tree Care and Landscaping
Before buying a tree for your Arlington yard, decide what you want it to do, review the planting location, and plan who will handle its care. A clear plan makes the estimate conversation more useful.
Start with the purpose and location
Are you replacing a removed tree, adding a focal point, or planning a larger landscape refresh? Take photos of the proposed location and write down what you want to improve. Include nearby structures and existing plants in those photos so the discussion starts with the whole space.
Texas A&M Forest Service recommends selecting a tree suited to its location. Ask about the tree's mature dimensions and the site conditions it needs before settling on a nursery purchase.
Check drainage before installation
The Forest Service recommends checking how water drains from the planting hole. If the location stays wet, discuss that condition before installation rather than assuming extra watering or a different backfill will solve it. Include any known irrigation or drainage concerns in your project notes.
Keep planting depth in the plan
The root collar, where the trunk meets the roots, should sit at or slightly above the surrounding ground level. A hole at least twice the root ball's width provides room around the roots. Ask the installer to confirm the depth before backfilling.
Texas A&M AgriLife's Earth-Kind guidance recommends backfilling with the soil removed from the hole, without adding compost, peat moss, or pine bark to that backfill. Most trees do not need staking; support should address an actual stability need.
Arrange aftercare before planting day
Watering is an ongoing responsibility, not just an installation step. Earth-Kind advises checking soil moisture and adjusting watering rather than treating a suggested schedule as automatic. Discuss who will check the tree when you travel and how the watering setup will reach it.
Our early-fall watering and mulch guide offers a starting point for reviewing the rest of your yard, too.
Bring a clear brief to your estimate
Share the proposed location, photos, access details, and your preferred project timing. Explore our planting services or landscape design services to plan the next step with Hernandez Tree Care and Landscaping.
Further reading
Texas A&M Forest Service: How to plant a tree. Texas A&M AgriLife Earth-Kind Landscaping: Planting a tree.