How to Properly Plant Trees, Shrubs & Cacti in Arizona
Learn the right way to plant in the desert — or let our professional crew handle it for you.
Desert-Specific Planting Methods
Contractor-Grade Plants
Proper Watering & Drainage
Optional Professional Installation
Choose What You're Planting
Every plant category has slightly different needs. Click below to jump to the right method.

How to Plant Trees (All Sizes)

How to Plant Shrubs & Flowers

How to Plant Palms

How to Plant Cacti & Succulents

How to Plant Espaliers (Wall-Trained Plants)

Rules That Prevent 90% of Plant Failures
DIY Installation
- Requires tools
- Easy to plant incorrectly
- Incorrect irrigation installation
Professional Installation
- Proper depth every time
- Correct watering basins
- Efficient, clean, and accurate

Before Your Planting Day
Whether you’re planting yourself or scheduled for professional installation, proper preparation is critical.

Prepare Your Yard
It’s important that your yard is fully ready before planting day to avoid delays or complications.
- All stumps must be removed from planting areas before our crew arrives. Our planting teams do not have stump removal equipment on site.
- If you have a stump that needs removal, please contact your Three Timbers Nursery Professional ahead of time to discuss removal options.
- If plant locations were marked with flags, ensure all flags are visible and in place.
- Remove any excess dirt or debris that may interfere with planting. (We do not haul away or remove loose dirt.)

Make Space for Our Crews
- Measure all gates, doorways, and access points to ensure plants and crew members can safely pass through.
- Consider obstacles such as: A/C Units, Pools, Stairwells, Overhangs, Tight side yards.
- For potted installations, customers are responsible for supplying soil.Soil can be purchased directly from the nursery.

Any Changes?
- Reschedules or changes must be made at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled delivery or installation date.
*These are the same rules our installation crews follow on every job.
Day of Delivery / Installation
What to Expect on Delivery & Planting Day

Delivery Reminders
- You’ll receive a reminder text the day before your scheduled planting.
- You’ll receive another text when the crew is on the way.

Parking & Unloading Access
To keep things efficient and safe:
- Please move vehicles from: Driveways, Parking Spaces, The Street Directly in front of the Property.
- Our team requires a clear path from the unloading area to planting locations.
Note: Three Timbers is not responsible for moving or locating underground utilities, irrigation lines, or drainage systems.

Yard Access
- Unlock all gates and doors needed for access.
- If you live in a gated community, provide gate codes ahead of time.
- Secure all pets inside the home for everyone’s safety.
*These are the same rules our installation crews follow on every job.









