Planting and Care Instructions
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For your new trees and shrubs
Step 1 — Preparing Hole and Soil
Dig hole at least twice as wide and a little deeper than the ball. Place soil on plastic or tarp as hole is dug for easier backfilling. Add peat moss at a ratio of 1/3 peat to 2/3 soil. Add Plant-tone® at the following rate: 1 cup per 1 to 2 foot hole, 2 cups for 2 to 3 foot hole, 4 cups per 3 to 3½ foot hole, 6 cups per 3½ to 4 foot hole. Mix all ingredients thoroughly on tarp.
Step 2 — Placing plant in hole
Place some of the prepared backfill in the bottom of the hole so that when root ball is placed in the hole, the top of the ball will be about 1 inch above final grade. This procedure allows for settling of freshly dug soil. Check the level to see that the depth is proper by putting the plant in the hole or measuring the depth of the root ball. Firm the soil and place plant in the hole. Cloth burlap can remain around the ball, but any plastic netting/material should be removed. All cord should be removed from around the trunk only. If the plant is in a plastic container, remove the plant from the container and slice the root ball vertically 1 inch deep with a knife in 3 to 4 places.
Step 3 — Backfilling
Fill the hole halfway with soil. Press the soil in with hands to eliminate air pockets. Tamp firmly. Add remaining soil to the top of the surrounding surface grade then construct a 2- to 3-inch dam inside the edge of the hole to form a water basin.
Step 4 — Watering
Plants should be watered gently but deeply immediately after planting. New plants should be watered once a week for the first month and summer, and then every two weeks through the remainder of the growing season. A good thorough soaking at these intervals is far more effective than light and frequent waterings from sprinklers. Place a hose a few inches from the trunk. Water should flow at a very slow trickle as this will allow water to sink into the roots without running off. Water for one hour depending on the size of the plant. Do not use a forceful stream of water as this can cause soil structure to break down and become hard-baked when dry.
Please call us at 800-422-6008 if you have any questions regarding care and maintenance of your plants, trees, and shrubs. We are always happy to help you with all of your garden, lawn, and plant care needs.