How to Prepare Your Yard for Tree Delivery

Why Preparation Matters

When you order a tree from Bill Bownds Nursery with delivery and installation, our crew arrives ready to plant. But there are several things you can do before delivery day to make the process smoother, faster, and more successful for your new tree. A little preparation on your end can mean the difference between a tree that establishes quickly and one that struggles. Here is our complete pre-delivery checklist, developed over 50 years of delivering trees to homes across Houston, Katy, Richmond, and Sugar Land.

Step 1: Choose the Right Planting Location

Before delivery day, you need to know exactly where your tree is going. Here are the key factors to consider:

Sunlight Requirements

Different species need different amounts of sun:

• Full sun (6+ hours): Live Oaks, Crape Myrtles, Pecan Trees
• Full sun to partial shade: Eagleston Holly, Red Oaks
• Full sun to partial shade (prefers morning sun): Magnolias

Observe your yard throughout the day to identify sun patterns. Shade from existing structures or trees can change dramatically between morning and afternoon.

Distance from Structures

Plant trees far enough from buildings, fences, driveways, and utility lines to accommodate mature size:

• Large shade trees (Live Oaks, Pecans): At least 20 feet from structures, 15 feet from fences
• Medium trees (Magnolias, Red Oaks): At least 15 feet from structures, 10 feet from fences
• Small to medium trees (Eagleston Holly, Crape Myrtles): At least 8 feet from structures, 6 feet from fences

Underground Utilities

This is critical. Before any digging begins, you must call 811 (the national utility locate service) at least 48 hours before delivery day. They will send technicians to mark the locations of buried gas, electric, water, sewer, and cable lines in your yard — at no cost. Do not skip this step. Hitting an underground utility line is dangerous and expensive.

Step 2: Mark the Planting Spot

Once you have chosen the location, mark it clearly so our crew can see it from the truck:

• Use a bright-colored flag, stake, or spray paint circle on the ground
• Mark the center of where you want the trunk to be
• If you are planting multiple trees in a row, mark each location with consistent spacing

Recommended spacing for common screen plantings:

• Eagleston Holly privacy screen: 6 to 8 feet apart (center to center)
• Live Oak canopy row: 30 to 40 feet apart
• Crape Myrtle street row: 15 to 20 feet apart

Step 3: Ensure Truck Access

Our delivery trucks need access to your property. Before delivery day:

• Clear the driveway: Move vehicles, trash cans, and any obstacles from the driveway and approach
• Open gates: If the planting location is in the backyard, ensure gates are open and wide enough for our equipment (at least 4 feet)
• Communicate gate codes: If you live in a gated community, provide the gate code when scheduling delivery
• Soft ground warning: If your yard has been recently watered or it has rained, let us know — we may need to adjust our equipment approach to avoid ruts

Step 4: Pre-Water the Planting Area

Houston-area clay soil can be extremely hard when dry. If we are installing your tree and the soil is bone-dry, it takes significantly longer to dig the planting hole and the clay blocks can be difficult to break up for backfill. Two to three days before delivery:

• Run a sprinkler or soaker hose on the planting area for 30 to 45 minutes
• Let the water soak in overnight
• The goal is moist, workable clay — not mud

This single step can cut installation time in half and results in a better planting environment for your tree's roots.

Step 5: Remove Obstacles Near the Planting Site

Clear a working area of at least 10 feet around the planting spot:

• Move patio furniture, planters, and yard decorations
• Pick up toys, garden hoses, and other tripping hazards
• If the area has landscape edging or borders that will be disrupted, remove them in advance
• Trim back overhanging branches from existing plants that block access to the planting hole

Step 6: Prepare Mulch and Watering Supplies

After installation, your tree will need mulch and water. Have these ready:

• Mulch: Have 3 to 5 bags of hardwood mulch or native mulch on hand (or a bulk delivery). You need enough to cover a 4-foot radius around the tree to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.
• Garden hose: Have a hose that reaches the planting location for immediate watering after installation and ongoing irrigation.
• Watering basin option: Our crew builds a soil ring around the planting hole to create a watering basin, but if you prefer a tree watering bag (the green or brown bags that wrap around the trunk), have one ready to install.

Step 7: Plan for Pets and Children

During delivery and installation, heavy equipment is in use and large trees are being moved. For safety:

• Keep pets indoors or in a separate area of the yard
• Supervise children and keep them away from the work area
• If you have an invisible fence, let us know the boundary locations

What Happens on Delivery Day

When our crew arrives, here is what to expect:

1. We confirm the planting location with you
2. We dig the hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball and no deeper
3. We set the tree with the root flare at or slightly above grade
4. We backfill with native soil and build a watering basin
5. We apply mulch and water deeply
6. We review watering and care instructions with you

The entire process for a single tree typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Multiple tree installations are completed the same day for most orders.

Ready to Order?

Visit Bill Bownds Nursery at 2110 Cedar Lane, Katy, TX 77494 to select your trees in person, or call (281) 277-2033 to discuss your project and schedule a delivery. Browse our full tree inventory and learn about our delivery and installation services, including our one-year health guarantee on all installed trees.