Tree Planting Guide
A Rock Bottom Ranch Healthy Tree Tip
1. Plant a container-grown tree or shrub in spring or autumn for best results, especially if it's an
evergreen. If that timing doesn't fit your schedule, though, any time will work, as long as the soil
is not bone-dry, saturated or frozen.
2. Dig a hole that's at least 6 inches wider than the container on all sides and about the same
depth. Then roughen up the sides and bottom of the hole with your shovel.
3. Remove the plant from its container. With a small tree or shrub, it's easy to do this job before
you lower plant into its hole; with a larger plant, it's easier to handle if you set it into the hole
first and then cut away the container.
4. Knock a plant out of a rigid plastic container. Simply tilt the pot onto its side, tap it lightly,
and gently slide out the rootball.
5. Gently tease out any roots that are encircling
the rootball with your fingers or a blunt tool so
that they are free, taking care not to break up the
ball of soil. Then clip off any damaged roots.
6. Place stakes in the hole if you're planting a
tree that will need support.
7. Set the plant into the hole at the same depth it
was growing in the pot, and begin filling the hole,
checking as you go to make sure the plant is
standing straight up. Add about 4 inches of soil
and gently firm it with your foot or a hoe to
remove any air pockets. Repeat the process until
the hole is filled.
8. Water slowly to saturate the soil and remove any remaining air pockets.
9. Use any extra soil to build a temporary berm, or dam, at the drip line (the place on the ground
directly below the outer edges of the foliage) and water again.
10. Keep the soil moist for the first year after planting. Mulch to retain moisture, but keep at
least 6 inches bare around the trunk. Check frequently; if you see yellow leaves or the soil feels
dry, water immediately.
Tips:
? Unless you're planting a small shrub or a street or patio tree in a small, confined space,
avoid amending (improving) the soil in the planting hole. The 'good' soil will encourage the
roots to confine themselves within that small area rather than spread out as they need to.
? Deep, thorough watering is the key to healthy shrubs and trees. Give new trees at least
an inch of water a week all around the root zone. (The roots of a woody plant extend about
the same distance as its branches)