HOW TO PLANT A CONTAINERIZED TREE, SHRUB OR PERENNIAL
1. Select the proper location for your plant, as far as sun - shade requirements and wind exposure are concerned.
2. Dig the hole slightly wider and deeper than the plant's root ball. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of Holly Tone or Plant Tone fertilizer to the bottom of the hole. Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots, especially if the plant is pot bound with thick circling roots. This can be done with your fingers, a knife or sharp stone. Slightly back fill the hole so that when the plant is placed in the hole the top of the root ball is even with or slightly above the existing ground level. This is the most critical part for long term survival, especially for trees and most shrubs.
3. Continue to back fill the hole with the soil that was dug out of the hole. If your soil is rocky or has lots of hard packed clay, add up to 50% Peat Moss, compost or good topsoil. This will loosen the soil and allow for good short term root growth. As you back fill the hole make sure you tamp down the soil to eliminate all air pockets. This can be done with the butt end of your shovel or your foot. Double check throughout the back fill process that your plant is straight and that the top of the root ball is even with or slightly above the ground level.
4. When the hole is completely back filled add another 1/2 to 1 cup of fertilizer on top of the soil and mulch the plant with 2"-3" of whatever mulch you desire. Make sure the mulch is not pushed up around the trunk or collar of the plant. Water the plant well to settle the soil and hydrate the newly planted tree, shrub or perennial.
5. Sit back and ENJOY your new addition. Your hard work has paid off.
6. Water your new tree or shrub 1 - 2 times per week depending on soil moisture, especially for the first year. Perennials will require slightly less water. Weather conditions will dictate how often and how much watering is required. When in doubt pull the mulch back, stick your finger in the soil. If it's dry then water. It it's wet then you can wait until later. Just make sure you're diligent and pay attention to your new plant's needs.
1. Select the proper location for your plant, as far as sun - shade requirements and wind exposure are concerned.
2. Dig the hole slightly wider and deeper than the plant's root ball. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of Holly Tone or Plant Tone fertilizer to the bottom of the hole. Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots, especially if the plant is pot bound with thick circling roots. This can be done with your fingers, a knife or sharp stone. Slightly back fill the hole so that when the plant is placed in the hole the top of the root ball is even with or slightly above the existing ground level. This is the most critical part for long term survival, especially for trees and most shrubs.
3. Continue to back fill the hole with the soil that was dug out of the hole. If your soil is rocky or has lots of hard packed clay, add up to 50% Peat Moss, compost or good topsoil. This will loosen the soil and allow for good short term root growth. As you back fill the hole make sure you tamp down the soil to eliminate all air pockets. This can be done with the butt end of your shovel or your foot. Double check throughout the back fill process that your plant is straight and that the top of the root ball is even with or slightly above the ground level.
4. When the hole is completely back filled add another 1/2 to 1 cup of fertilizer on top of the soil and mulch the plant with 2"-3" of whatever mulch you desire. Make sure the mulch is not pushed up around the trunk or collar of the plant. Water the plant well to settle the soil and hydrate the newly planted tree, shrub or perennial.
5. Sit back and ENJOY your new addition. Your hard work has paid off.
6. Water your new tree or shrub 1 - 2 times per week depending on soil moisture, especially for the first year. Perennials will require slightly less water. Weather conditions will dictate how often and how much watering is required. When in doubt pull the mulch back, stick your finger in the soil. If it's dry then water. It it's wet then you can wait until later. Just make sure you're diligent and pay attention to your new plant's needs.