The guide

Trees are a big investment in a high-desert yard; planting them correctly, watering them through establishment, and pruning properly decides whether they thrive for decades.

• Plant at the right depth - the root flare at or just above grade - in a wide, saucer-shaped hole, and do not heavily amend the backfill.
• Water deeply and slowly through establishment (the first 2-3 years), wetting the whole root zone, then taper as roots reach out.
• Mulch a wide ring 3-4 inches deep but keep it off the trunk (no mulch volcanoes) to conserve water and moderate soil temperature.
• Prune for structure while young: remove dead, broken, crossing, and competing branches, cutting just outside the branch collar.
• Prune most shade trees in late-winter dormancy and never top them - topping ruins structure and invites decay.
• Choose species adapted to zone 6a, alkaline soil, and wind before you plant.