TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING TIPS

 

1. Dig the hole only about 1”-2” wider than the pot, and only as deep as the rootball. Planting too deep can suffocate the plant. You will want the hole to have a flat bottom so that the rootball will sit correctly. The sides should be straight up and down. Basically the hole should be the same shape as the container and only slightly wider.

 

2. Before removing the plant from the pot set it in the hole to make sure it is the correct size. For larger plants and trees you can just measure with a measuring tape.

 

3. Set the plant or tree next to the hole. Remove the plant from the container. On larger plants you can lay them on their side and pull the container off. Try not to break up the rootball too much. If the plant is root bound you can rough up the roots.

 

4. Gently place the plant in the hole. Step back to make sure it is standing up straight. If needed, you can put soil under one side to straighten it up.

 

5. Put the soil back in, packing it down with the shovel handle. In most cases you do not need to add any soil amendments. Do not cover the top of the rootball with soil. We do recommend covering the rootball with mulch. Always use Ferti-lome Root Stimulator & Plant starter or Espoma Bio-tone Starter when planting.