Guide to Planting Shrubs & Trees

by ColorScapes Gardens and Landscaping

14032 State Route 15  *  Defiance, Ohio  *  419.395.2515

Soil Preparation: Dig a hole at least 3 times wider than the diameter of the container of the plant to be installed.  Prepare by mixing the existing soil with some compost, cow manure and/or sphagnum peat.  Gently loosen the roots around the edges of the root ball.  If the roots are too dense to loosen, cut three or four 1" deep vertical slits with a sharp knife.  Place the plant in the center of the hole making certain that the flare of the trunk is at height of finished ground level.  Do not place top of root ball below ground level. Backfill the hole, with soil mixture compacting in 4-6" levels.  Create a saucer around the edge of the planting hole. 

Water plant thoroughly filling saucer and allowing it to drain twice.  Fill a third time with a mixture of water and Triple Phosphate according to directions. Add 2” mulch and Preen weed preventer, except on Redbuds and Magnolias, as directed on package.  Avoid placing mulch directly next to the trunk of the tree.

Check newly planted shrubs and trees frequently, especially during dry, windy weather. One inch of water a week, either rain or by hand with hose on a slow trickle or use water wand.

 

Planting Containerized Trees

 

Remove tree from container. The tree may be planted too deep in pot.  Remove the soil down to the first roots. Before you begin to dig, measure height from bottom of the root ball to the first roots.  If there are encircling roots, slice through them with a sharp knife.  Make 3-4 vertical cuts in roots ball.  Pull the roots apart. Dig the hole deep enough so the first roots will be just below finish grade.  Do not loosen soil under the root ball below this depth.  Planting site should be prepared 3 to 5 times the width of the soil ball.

 

 

Planting Balled/Burlapped Trees

 

Do not remove any of the basket or burlap until tree is positioned in hole.  Use a probe or loosen burlap and remove soil from the top of root ball to determine where the first roots are located.  Dig hole to a depth so the first roots will be just below the finished soil grade.  Do not loosen soil below the soil ball.  Lift tree by the basket and set it into hole.  Backfill the hole half way up the root ball and check that it is standing straight.  Remove the visible portion of the wire basket and burlap without disturbing the soil ball.  Leave the remaining burlap and wire buried.  Finish back filling the hole up to the uppermost roots.  Water to settle soil around the root ball.