Planting

1.      Dig the Hole

Determining the depth of the hole is the most important part of the planting process.  The top of the root ball should be at, or slightly above (1"), ground level.  A plant that is planted too deeply in the soil becomes very disease/pest prone and is at risk of suffocation.  The diameter of the hole is less critical, it should be approximately 18 inches larger in diameter than the root ball of the plant.  The edges of the hole should not be smooth, rough them up a bit with the blade of a shovel.

2.      Place the Plant

If the roots of the plant are circling the rootball make several cuts to stop the girdling.  The cuts only need to be a half inch deep.  Splaying the roots out away from the rootball will encourage faster root development.  

3.      Fill Partially and Apply TreeSaver®

We do not recommend amending the soil at the time of planting.  Use the existing soil as fill, if supplementary soil is needed incorporate topsoil or finished compost into the existing soil. After filling in approximately half of the depth of the hole, add the correct amount of TreeSaver®.  

4.      Finish Filling the Hole

Fill the rest of the hole, packing the soil in moderately.  Create a small rim around the rootball to retain/catch moisture.

5.      Mulch

A layer of mulch (3 inches deep) will retain soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.  Make sure no mulch rests against the stem or trunk of the plant.

Note:  Pick up a Planting Information Sheet with graphics at the nursery