Planting a Tree or Shrub

Start by locating where you want to plant your tree or shrub.  Make sure you are not digging where under ground wires or pipes are running through your yard.  You can contact your utility providers to find any under ground wires or pipes.

Dig a hole that is about half the diameter of the root ball wider.  For a five gallon pot dig a hole that is four to six inches wider than the pot.  For 15 gallon dig a hole that is six to eight inches wider.  Dig the hole a little less deep than the height of the pot.  Over time your tree or shrub will settle.  Planting your tree or shrub an inch higher than ground level will allow for that settling.  If you don't allow for that settling, your tree or shrub may settle so deep that soil could cause rot around the base of the tree inviting bugs and disease.

Test fit your plant in the hole by dropping it in with the pot still on.  After the planting hole is proper size, add Super Phosphate and a good compost to the hole.  Remove the plant from the pot by turning it on its side and depressing its sides.  Then holding the soil turn the plant up side down, hopefully the plant will slide out easily. If it does not, depress the sides of the pot again.  You may have to cut the pot off on some plants.  You really don't want to tug on the stem of the plant to remove it from the pot, this can cause too much stress to the plant.

Place the root ball into the hole, and add a good compost to fill around the root ball.  After you have added compost around the root ball half way add an organic fertilizer or a slow release synthetic fertilizer.  Continue adding compost until the hole is filled completely.  Press the soil so that no air pockets exist in the hole.  Use remaining soil to build a moat around your tree or shrub, and water deeply.  The weather and climate will determine how often you need to water.  The first couple of years are critical to your newly planted tree and will need more water.  As the roots grow they will be able to find water and nutrients on their own.  But most trees and shrubs will always benefit from some of your help.  You want your garden to thrive not just survive!