How to Promote Rapid Tree Growth

Plant the tree in the proper place. Learn about the sun and soil requirements of the tree before you plant it and indulge its preferences. Some trees prefer direct sun, others like dappled sun; some prefer acidic soil, other like alkaline. Most trees like well-drained soil but some like wet feet. The closer you can approximate the tree's ideal growing conditions, the faster it will grow.

Allow the tree lots of elbow room. Know your tree's mature size before you plant. Measure the distance from the planting spot in every direction, including up, to be sure that your tree's growth will not be impeded by buildings, other trees or power lines over head.

Prepare the soil to make it easy for the tree's roots to spread. Work the soil to a depth of 24 inches in an area at least 36 inches square. Remove rocks and weeds and, unless the tree thrives in poor soil, work in 3 inches of organic compost to lighten the soil and provide slow release of nutrients.

Plant your tree at the correct time. Plant in autumn to take advantage of the fall rains or plant in spring before new growth begins. Avoid planting your tree in hot weather or freezing temperatures that could kill it or stunt its growth. Do not trim the canopy when planting except to remove dead or damaged branches.

Irrigate your tree appropriately from the moment it is in the ground. After the tree is set into its planting hole, use the remainder of the extracted soil to build a circular basin around the tree a little larger than its root ball. Slant the floor of the basin away from the trunk. Fill the basin with 10 to 15 gallons of water immediately after planting. Repeat several times a week for the first month after planting, then once a week for six months unless rainfall provides the equivalent amount. After the tree's root system is established, provide appropriate irrigation; the amount and frequency depends on the species of tree and its requirements as well as the composition of your soil. Irrigate more if your soil is sandy, less for soil that includes large amounts of clay.

Do not fertilize the tree when you plant it other than providing the compost in the soil. Even established native trees generally do not require feeding and are healthier without fertilizer. Fertilizers high in nitrogen promote rapid canopy growth but in many cases this is detrimental to a young tree that is working to establish its root system.

Pull out weeds growing near the tree as they appear. The less competition the tree has for water and nutrients, the faster it will grow. Apply organic mulch over the root area of the tree to hold moisture into the soil and impede weed growth. Keep the mulch 3 inches from the tree's trunk to prevent rot.

Play your tree classical music. A few studies suggest that occasional soothing music stimulates plant growth and no expert has found it detrimental to trees or gardeners.