Planting Guidelines

1. Dig a hole the same depth and 1.5 to 2 times the width of the rootball.
   -Digging the hole wider allows loose amended soil to be filled
   in around the plant for easy root penetration.
2. Mix a portion of the excavated soil with some type of organic mater such
   as peatmoss, brewers compost, humus, or homemade compost.
3. If the plant is in a container make sure to scuff up the exterior
   roots to help them head out into the surrounding soil. If the plant is
   balled and burlapped place it in the hole first then remove the burlap and
   twinefrom the trunk and top of the rootball. If there is a wire basket we
   recommend cutting the top ring in several places but otherwise leaving the
   basket on. If planting a larger tree when it is not dormant, we recommend
   keepingthe burlap and twine on for one season. It can easily be removed later.
4. Place the plant in the hole. The soil level of the root ball should
   be at the same level or slightly above the existing soil line. Never plant to low.
5. Backfill with the loose amended soil mix. Pack down to remove air pockets and
   create a soil ring around the planting hole with excess soil to help with watering.
6. Make sure to water thoroughly. Because soil conditions and weather vary, there isn't
   an all encompassing rule of thumb for watering. In general a newly planted plant should
   be checked daily for 2 or 3 weeks. Look at the soil. Feel it with your hands.
   If dry, water, if not don't. Plants can be killed with too much water almost as
   easily as with a lack of water. Some things to consider: plant species, soil type, and most
   of all, weather conditions.
   **it only takes a few hours of severe dryness to kill most plants. After the first several weeks the plant should require less water but should still be
   checked 2 or 3 times per week.
7. A note on staking: If your site is very windy and your tree is likely to catch alot of
   wind because of its canopy, you may want to stake.