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Planting Guide
Planting
Potted Trees and Shrubs
Step 1:
Plan Ahead
Select the right plant for the right place. Consider
plant requirements such as shade, sun, etc. Be
aware of power lines, underground cables, sewer
systems, and water or sprinkler lines. Know how
big the plant is going to get when it is fully-grown
and plan accordingly.
Step 2:
Water Immediately
It is critically important that plants be watered
immediately when you get them home by filling
the top of each pot with water and letting it
drain through. If you cannot plant right away,
place the plants outside in a shady area protected
from wind until you can plant. Check soil in the
pots each day and water thoroughly when needed.
Some plants, such as Potentilla and Barberry may
need to be watered twice per day during hot weather.
Step 3:
Prune
Generally no pruning should be necessary at this
time. However, if there are any broken or damaged
branches you should prune them out now.
Step 4:
Plant
Dig your hole the same depth as, and at least
6” wider than, the root-ball (the wider the
better). Remove the plant from the pot by laying
it on its side and firmly tapping the top of the
pot and sliding the pot off of the root ball.
If it is root-bound carefully loosen some of the
roots so they don't continue to circle the root
ball. But don't disturb the roots any more than
necessary. Place the plant in the hole positioning
the plant at the same depth as it was growing
in the pot. It is very important that you don't
plant it too deep. (Exceptions: Dwarf and semi-dwarf
fruit trees should be planted with the graft slightly
above ground level. Roses should be planted with
the graft 2" below ground level.) Mix compost,
peat moss, or coco fiber with the backfill soil
in a ratio of one to two parts compost to two
parts soil. Mix thoroughly. Fill the hole with
the soil mix firming it as you go to avoid settling
and air pockets.
Step 5:
Add Save-A-Tree™
When soil is filled to within 2” of the top
of hole, use Save-A-Tree™
to inoculate the roots with Mycorrhizae in a donut
shape around the plant and mix into the soil a
few inches. Add remaining soil.
Step 6:
Water
Water thoroughly. Generally you will use one to
five gallons of water depending on the size of
the container.
Step 7:
Stake
Larger trees planted in areas of high wind should
be secured with 3 guy ropes. Be sure to use non-scarring
ties. (The Dewitt Tree Staking Kit works very
well.) Tree should not be staked so tightly that
the trunk cannot move. Some movement of the trunk
in windy weather actually encourages stronger
root growth. Be sure to inspect the tree ties
several times each year to be sure they are not
too tight and are not scarring the bark. Except
in extreme situations it is usually best to remove
the guys after two years.
Step 8:
Mulch
Create a slight (2") rim of earth around
the plant (with a diameter about 12” wider
than the hole) to create a reservoir for watering.
Add 2" of mulch (Soil Pep, or compost). This
mulch will help keep the soil moist and retard
weed growth. It also gives the tree an attractive
finished appearance.
Step 9:
Care After Planting
Check soil moisture every day for the first couple
of weeks by pushing aside a little of the mulch
and checking the surface of the soil. If the soil
is moist _” beneath the surface, do not water.
Check again the next day. Be careful not to over-water.
Watch for signs of insects or disease and take
appropriate actions.
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