Planting and Care Tips
8 Easy Steps to Planting a Tree:
- Call 811 Before You Dig–locate all underground utilities for your safety by calling at least 48 hours before you dig
- Handle aTree by Lifting it by the Pot or Root ball–keep roots moist until planting
- Dig a Hole -up to 2 times wider than the root ball diameter and as deep as existing root system
- Locate the Trunk Flare & Position it Slightly Above Ground Level–topmost
root should be buried 1-2” - Backfill with Native Soil–can incorporate up to 25% compost into the native soil, use extrasoil to form a 2-3” rim (basin) in a circle a bit larger than the diameter of the hole
- Fertilize (optional)–use a granular fertilizer such as Biotone to promote root establishment
- Mulch-Allow 1-2” Clearance between Tree Trunk & Mulch–mulch 2-3” deep
- Water thoroughly –fill basin or Gator bag 2-3 times a week for 2 months after planting until established
💧 Watering Tips for Healthy Plants
- Water 2-3 times per week for newly planted trees and shrubs.
- Ensure water soaks deeply into the soil—avoid frequent, shallow watering.
- Plants need at least 1 inch of water per week from rain or irrigation.
- During extended heat and drought, established plants still require 1” of water per week!
- Sandy soils need more water than clay soils.
- Gator bags are great for slow, deep watering of trees.
- Annuals & vegetables should be watered and/or checked daily.