How to Plant

Think of the tree you just purchased as a lifetime investment. How well your tree, and investment, grows depends on the type of tree and location you select for planting, the care you provide when the tree is planted, and follow-up care the tree receives after planting.

Follow these illustrated instructions to easily and securely plant a tree.

1) 2” x 8’ diameter stake hammered into the ground. Be careful to avoid rootball. Do not allow tree to rub against stake. Provide additional stakes as required.

2) Secure the main trunk just above the point where the tree will fall. Let the top of tree sway into the wind.Secure with flexible vinyl tape nailed to the stake. A second tie may be required to hold bottom of tree straight. Do not leave stake longer than one growing season.

3) Size of hole 18” to 24” wider than the diameter of the rootball. If soil is compacted and/or heavy clay, the hole should be 3 to 5 times wider than the rootball.

4) Set top of rootball flush with finish grade.

5) Backfill with existing soil excavated from hole.

6) Provide 4” layer of organic mulch around future root zone. Be sure not to apply mulch directly against trunk of tree.

7) Finish grade.

8) Loosen sides of hole and rootball.

Note: If rootball is densely matter with roots, slice the root mass vertically with a sharp knife to separate the roots.