How to Plant a Tree

Plants are living, breathing things that require special care. Using the right soil amendments for your specific needs along with proper planting techniques is the first step in giving them the best possible start in your garden or landscape. Follow these detailed guidelines to ensure that all your plants get a healthy start!

When you first bring them home

We take great care to give regular water to the plants at the nursery but once you bring them home, that care is up to you. Put them in a protected area and keep them watered until you’re ready to plant. This should happen within 7 days from purchase.

Prepare the root ball

Container Plants: Gently remove the plant from the container and inspect the roots. If necessary, loosen or cut encircling roots that would otherwise inhibit the growth of your plant.
Balled & Burlaped Plants: Cut and remove the string around the trunk. Peel back the burlap from the trunk so that you can clearly see where the trunk flares out at the soil. Note: You will need to remove any remaining rope or wire just before planting. The burlap need not be entirely removed but should be kept away from the trunk.

Scope it out

Take a moment to locate the flare roots on your plant. These are the top roots that flare out from the trunk and exist at the surface to get oxygen. If necessary, brush any soil away from these to help keep them exposed.

Measure twice, dig once

Measure the distance from the flare roots to the bottom of the root ball. This is the Maximum depth of your hole. Next, measure the width of the root ball. Your hole should be 2-3 times this width.

Can you dig it?

Take the time to prepare a proper hole as this has the greatest impact on the health of your plant or tree.

 

Amend your soil

Choose the proper soil additives for you particular planting spot. For normal soil or decomposed granite (DG), use our Bumper Crop Soil Additive. For soil areas with heavy clay, use Black Forest Organic Mix. Each should be mixed at a ratio of 1:1 with your natural soil.

 

Places everyone!

Place wire basket around root ball and gently move your plant or tree into the hole making sure that the flare roots remain even or above the natural soil level (but never below!) Make sure the plant is straight and place soil around the bottom of the root ball to hold it in place.

 

Provide food & drinks

Fill the hole halfway using some of the amended soil mixed with the appropriate amount of transplant fertilizer. Water the soil to  remove large air pockets and allow it to drain. Continue replacing the soil until the hole is filled to ground level. Do not cover the trunk  flare. Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch over the planting area. Do not mound up or place mulch against the tree trunk.