(Trans)Planting Trees and Shrubs

 

• Dig a hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball.
  
• Hole depth should be 2-3 inches less than the root ball depth, so that the top of the root ball is positioned 2-3 inches above the surrounding finish grade (ground level).
  
• CAUTION: Over-digging the depth of the hole, then back-filling, may result in undesired settling.
  
• Place plant upright in hole, and start filling around the root ball with existing soil.
  
• If B&B, remove burlap from the immediate area around trunk.
  
• Continue filling around the root ball a few inches at a time, watering the fill each time to remove any air pockets.
  
• Insure that the root ball is adequately watered before finishing.
  
• Stake the tree only if it’s on a windy site or a severe slope.
  
• Mulch an area at least six feet in diameter around the plant.
  
• Do not put over 1 inch of mulch over the top of the root ball.
  
• Insure that the plant is adequately watered throughout the year.
  
• Start your fertilization program as the roots become established in the fill soil, usually sometime in the Spring if planting was in the Fall or Winter.
  
• Remove any nylon (or other) support or stake strapping by the end of the first year.