Planting Balled and Burlaped Trees

 

1. Dig a saucer-shaped hole at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.

 

2. Cut loose and remove the wire basket.

 

3. Set tree in the hole so 10% of the root ball is visible above ground level (about 2”)

 

4. Cut any remaining ropes and peel the burlap away from the trunk. You may cut this excess flap away if desired or simply fold back into the hole.

 

5. Slice the sides of the burlap. Do not try and remove the entire burlap. This could cause the root ball to fall apart and cause root damage.

 

6. Fill mixture of original topsoil and organic matter around the ball. Pack gently. Fill hole with water, let settle and finish with more soil.

 

7. Dig a 2” – 3” doughnut basin around drip line and water again.

 

8. Water deeply once a week.

 

 

Planting Container Plants

 

1.      Dig a saucer-shaped hole at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.

 

2.      Remove the plant from its container and if the roots are seriously matted or encircling the root ball, loosen or scour the outer most roots so they are no longer entangled in a circle around the root ball.  This will allow the roots to more readily absorb water and grow out into the surrounding soil.

 

3.      Place the plant in the hole so 10% of the root ball is visible above ground level.

 

4.      Fill mixture of original topsoil and organic matter around the ball.  Pack gently.  Fill hole with water, let settle and finish with more soil.

 

5.      Water thoroughly upon completion.

           

Note:

When watering the best approach is to water slowly and deeply.  This will maximize the water that reaches the root ball and minimize the water that is lost to runoff.

 

Mulching

            Place 2”-3” of a good quality mulch on top of the root ball and surrounding soil after planting.  This will help conserve moisture, control weeds and provide an attractive appearance in the landscape.  We recommend putting down a weed control fabric before placing your mulch to ensure maximum weed control.  When spreading mulch you should keep the mulch away from the trunk of the tree, so taper the mulch off to ground level as you approach the trunk.  We carry a full line of mulches to choose from.