GENERAL PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
When and Where to Plant
Trees, shrubs and perennials from the nursery can be planted any time through the year, avoiding only frozen or rain-saturated soil conditions. Planting in mid-summer heat is possible by being extra careful to provide sufficient water.
Successful results depend on placing the plant in the right sun/shade exposure (right plant/right place), in soil that drains well. Check to see what needs the tree or shrub you’re planting may have. There certainly are exceptions: plants that can tolerate dry/sunny, dry/shady, wet/sunny, wet/shady conditions. Our expert staff is happy to show you any number of plant choices for your particular sun/shade conditions and soil types.
How to Plant
Soil preparation is key. Dig a rough, shallow, broad planting hole. Most root systems grow flat like a pancake in the top few feet of the soil, extending out in a circle at least as wide as the dripline of the plant. The hole should be twice the width of, but only as deep as, the container or root ball. With a garden fork, loosen the soil around the hole another couple of feet. This will encourage roots to penetrate more easily into the native soil.
Find the spot on the tree where the roots flare and spread at the base of the trunk. This spot should be partly visible after planting.
Place the tree in the hole lifting it by the root ball, not the trunk, to avoid damaging the plant. Make sure the tree doesn’t sit too deeply in the hole. Carefully remove all string from the root ball or any pot, including the biodegradable fiber types.
Make sure the tree is straight before filling with soil.
Fill the hole with the original dirt, gently packing soil around the base of the roots. Water well, adding start-up to help ease transplant shock. Don’t add fertilizer at this time.
Mulch around the base of the tree to the drip line, leaving an 8" diameter circle around the trunk clear to prevent diseases. This mulch can be 3-4" deep and made of shredded leaves, pine needles, bark, peat moss, wood chips or compost. Make sure all grass is removed as far out as the branches reach (the drip line).
Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Water trees at least once a week and more frequently in hot weather. Continue until mid-fall. The tree will need regular watering until established.
Supplies & Sources
- Your tree
- Shovel, pick or trowel
- Garden Fork
- Mulch or Compost
- Books: Sunset Western Garden Book
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