Planting Tips

Dig a shallow, broad planting hole. Make the hole as wide as two times the diameter of the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball. It is important to make the hole wide because the tree roots must push through the surrounding soil to become established. If you dig to deep, the tree will be set to low once the soil has settled. To test for compaction and drainage problems, fill the hole with water and wait an hour. If it has not drained away, choose a different location for planting.

Squeeze gently around the container, then slip it off the root ball, laying the tree on the ground if necessary. If the tree will not slip out, carefully slice the pot from top to the bottom drain holes, and remove. Never pull the tree out just by its stem.If any roots have spiraled around the outside of the root ball, simply prune back to where the spiraling begins. Always use a sharp knife or pruners. Always cut cleanly, not tearing the roots.Place the plant in the planting hole. The top of the root ball should be at or slightly above the surrounding ground level. The majority of the roots on a newly-planted tree will develop in the top 12 inches of soil. If the tree is planted too deep, new roots will have difficulty developing due to lack of oxygen.

Straighten the tree in the hole and back fill with loose topsoil. Firmly press the topsoil around the root ball, which helps eliminate air pockets that may cause roots to dry out.