1. Dig a hole that is wider, but not deeper than the container.
2. Plastic containers must be removed. When removing the container, handle the root ball carefully so that it stays intact. If the plant is root bound slice the roots with a knife, but do not “break apart all the roots” as with perennials.
3. Carefully set the root ball in the hole. The top of the root ball should be set at or slightly above the ground level.
4. Begin backfilling the hole with the soil you dug out. Amending your soils with peat moss is fine, but you do not need to add any fertilizers at this time. (See our FAQs section for more information on fertilizing and soil amendments). Use a simple garden hose and push it down into the soil around the newly planted root ball to soften the soil around it. "Slice" the soil around the root ball with a shovel to remove large air pockets from the soil. Finally, finish backfilling the hole.
5. It is recommended in high wind areas that you stake the tree for approx. 1-3 years.
B&B (Balled & Burlapped) Installation:
1. Measure the root ball. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball, but shallow enough that the top of the ball will set about 2" above ground level. It is best if the ball is sitting on firm ground so that the ball does not settle.
2. If the tree has a wire basket DO NOT REMOVE THE BASKET; however, if it bothers you, you can cut away sections of the basket once the tree is in the hole. We caution you to be as careful as possible, though, because any damage to the root ball can severely affect the life of your tree.
3. Carefully roll the root ball into the hole. Straighten your tree.
4. Before backfilling your hole with soil, remove ALL TWINE or STRING holding the wire basket onto the tree. You can cut away any portions of burlap that you see, but understand that our burlap is designed to disintegrate quite rapidly.
5. Backfill the bottom portion of the hole so that the tree will not tip over. Straighten your tree.
6. Begin backfilling the hole with the soil you dug out. Amending your soils with peat moss is fine, but you do not need to add any fertilizers at this time. (See our FAQs section for more information on fertilizing and soil amendments). Use a simple garden hose and push it down into the soil around the newly planted root ball to soften the soil around it. "Slice" the soil around the root ball with a shovel to remove large air pockets from the soil. Finally, finish backfilling the hole.
7. It is recommended in high wind areas that you stake the tree for approx. 1-3 years.