Tree Planting Instructions
- Dig the hole approximately twice the size of the root ball and deep enough to allow 2-3” of the root ball to remain above the ground level
- Take the best soil out of the hole and place it in a wheelbarrow
- Mix pine soil conditioner roughly 50/50 into the soil in the wheelbarrow
- Gently roll the tree into the hole and position it so the main trunk is as straight as possible.
- At this point you can remove the burlap and twine from the top of the rootball back to ground level
- Leave the rest of the burlap AND the metal cage intact. Removing the metal cage can cause the roots to dry out and therefore kill the tree
- Add the correct amount of Tree-Tone to the hole
- Backfill the rest of the soil around the rootball until you get to ground level
- Use the handle end of the shovel to gently tamp the soil around the ball and fill in any voids with your soil mix
- For most trees we encourage you to use one or two 6’ poplar stakes pounded about 12” into the ground facing the windward side
- Use CHAIN LOCK and TREE WRAP to secure the tree to the stakes
- Add a 2-3” deep mulch ring around the tree creating a saucer for the water to pool when it rains
- Finish by watering the tree a minimum of 30 minutes using a slow trickle from the garden hose. The stream should be enough to soak into the soil but not so much that it runs away from the surface (An easier method is to use a GATOR BAG to water).
Materials & Tools Recommended
- Shovel and wheelbarrow
- Scissors and/or sharp knife
- Garden hose
- Sledge Hammer
- Growers Secret
- 1-2ea. 6’ Tree Stakes
- Tree-Tone
- Gater Bag (optional)
- Tree Wrap & 3-6’ of Chain Lock
- Mulch of your choice
- Soil Moist (optional but recommended for Dogwoods and Hemlocks)
- Holly Tone (used for Evergreens and acid loving plants)
And don't forget, you can buy your mulch online with our easy-to-use mulch calculator.
