- Dig the hole deeper and wider than the root ball
- Measure to make sure (big trees are hard to move once
they're in the ground) - the top of the ball should be 2-6 inches above grade,
this depends on the ball size.
You'll have to put some of the dirt back in the hole
(it will get the dirt loose under the ball) - If the plant is in a plastic pot take it out of the pot.
If it's in a burlap ball leave the burlap on, leave the wire basket on. Put the tree in the hole, you should roll it in, try not to drop it.
- Make sure the tree or bush is straight, look from different
angles.
Cut the string around the trunk. - note: if you want to mix peat moss in with the dirt you take out of the hole, mix up to 1/3 peat 2/3 dirt. Most of the time it isn't necessary to use any.
- Put the dirt back in the hole. Pack it as you go, this gets rid of air in the soil and keeps the plant from leaning.
fig.1
- Put soil around the sides of the ball (fig.2).
- If you want, put mulch around the tree, it helps keep moisture in and retards weed growth.
- Water your plant, soak it good then soak it again. Even it's freezing, they need to be watered in.
- Don't put soil around the trunk.
fig.2
- If you have an evergreen tree or a large shade tree, you might want to stake the trees, to keep them from leaning and breaking new roots.
- For small trees use 2 stakes, larger trees need 3 stakes. fig.3
- Wire the tree to the stakes, where the wire will go around the
tree trunk
push the wire through a piece of hose(to keep the wire from digging in to the trunk), wrap around the trunk. Water!!!
fig.3
