Clay's Garden Center, Inc.

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Planting Instructions
  • Planting
  • Staking Trees
  • Care after Planting
  • Feeding
  • Pest Control
 

Planting

Think of the tree or shrub you purchased as a lifetime investment. How well your plant grows depends on the type of plant, location of planting, care in planting and follow-up care you provide.

  • Dig a broad hole 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball, but 1-2" shallower than the root ball.
  • Prevent the tree from settling deeper into the hole by making sure the bottom of the hole is firm. Do not put loose soil beneath the ball. Most of the roots grow in the top 12 inches of soil.
  • Place the plant on undisturbed solid ground in the center of the hole, straightening it and making sure it is 2-3" above the soil line.
  • Cut through circling or matted roots on both sides of the root ball. If the tree is B&B, remove pins, nails, and roping from the trunk and top of the ball as you begin to backfill. Pull back the burlap from the top 3rd of the ball and cut or drop it to the bottom of the hole, backfilling over top of it.
  • Mix the soil from the hole with a soil amendment like our LEAFGRO (1/3 mix to 2/3 existing soil). Don't overdo the amendment and don't add other topsoil mixes because you want the roots to adapt to your existing soil.
  • Backfill half the soil, then gently pack the soil around the root ball. Water well to settle out air pockets. Finish backfilling, firm the soil, and then water again.
  • Spread 2-3" of mulch around the base of the plant making sure it does not touch the trunk or stem. Think of a bagel of mulch rather than a volcano up against the trunk.
  • Stake trees only as necessary. Trees establish quicker and develop stronger trunks and roots if they are not staked when planted. However, staking may be needed if they have large crowns, are on a windy site, or need protection from vandals or lawn mowers.


Staking Trees


Care After Planting


Feeding

Pruning


Pest Control