- DIG the hole 2-3 times as wide as the diameter of the root ball.
- DO NOT PLANT TOO DEEP! The hole should be the CURRENT DEPTH or SLIGHLY LESS than the soil level in the container or burlap ball. Depending on the soil type–plant as deep (or slightly less deep in poorly drained soils) as the height of the ROOTBALL.
- MIX no more than 50% of the backfill with compost, peat moss or other organic matter to help improve soil quality–BLEND WELL!
- Occasionally, staking may be required when planting on a slope, in sandy soil or in a windy, exposed location.
- Add a 2-3″ layer of mulch around the plant (NEVER against the base of the trunk or over the crown). This helps reduce water stress by retaining moisture as well as regulating soil temperature in winter and controlling competition from grass and weeds.
- Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials need special water attention for at least the first full year after planting. Once established supplemental watering may be needed in periods of drought. * See Watering Tips *
NOTE Learn the type of soil in your yard, how it drains or holds water during each season. If your home was constructed in the past five years, your soil may be heavy, compacted clay that doesn’t drain and watering times and frequency should be reduced by half. Dig a test hole 12” deep and wide and fill with water. If the hole doesn’t fully drain within 15 minutes, you may have drainage problems that can lead to root rot.
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