Dig hole approximately 5'- 6' wider than the diameter of root structure. The root structure is defined as the base of either the pot or root ball. [A]
On potted material with plastic pots, you must remove the pot without breaking up the soil ball. The easiest way to do this it to lay the plant on its side and hit the bottom of the pot, which frees it to easily slide off. If you have purchased a plant in a biodegradable fiber pot, then tear or cut the top lip of the pot off until it is even or slightly lower than the soil line in the pot. This provides water movement across the roots. The rest of the pot should remain on the plant. Don't fear, the pot will decompose in the matter of a season providing extra organic matter to the soil.
For those of you who have purchased trees and shrubs that are contained in a burlap ball, you must inspect for nylon strings wrapped around the base of the trunk and cut them off. If not removed, these strings will girdle and kill an otherwise healthy tree. The strings or metal cage that covers the sides of the root ball is best if left on, in order to keep the root ball intact.
***You must never disturb a root ball, or break up the roots. By doing this you have exposed the delicate roots to the air, and the plant can go into shock and sometimes never fully recover. You can loosen the top of the burlap or peel it back once the plant is set in the hole.
If planting in a heavy clay soil, remove the pot or string, plant the root structure slightly higher than existing grade of the soil so that about 2" is visible above the soil line. [B]
After straightening the plant, backfill around the root structure with a mixture of good topsoil and existing soil that has been broken up. Cover the top of the root structure by making a slight mound above the existing grade.
When planting in heavy clay soil, water thoroughly to help settle the soil around root structure until the area is sufficiently moist. Once two or three days have passed and no rain has occurred, go and soak the soil ball again. Continually check any newly planted plants about every 7-10 days during normal weather cycles to monitor that the plant remains properly watered. During hot dry spells, or very wet weather monitor the plant much more closely to assure that it is not too dry or over saturated. And always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent over watering. Remember, just because the soil on the top of the plant is dry, doesn't mean that the soil around the sides of the plant is also dry. Using your hand to test soil moisture is the most reliable method, but if you want to keep your hands clean we also carry moisture meters which can be used to accurately test sub-surface moisture.
Cover the area with about 2"-4" of mulch to retain moisture and stabilize root temperatures. We recommend shredded bark mulch, but wood chips and other decomposable organic matter can work also. Try to avoid using materials such as stone or gravel these can change the pH of the soil or allow soil temperatures to rapidly fluctuate, slowing root growth.
If you have any questions, stop in or call us and we will be glad to help you get the most knowledge and enjoyment out of your purchase.