How to Plant a Tree or Shrub

Think of the tree you purchased as a lifetime investment. How well your tree and investment grows depends on the type of tree and location you select for planting, the care you provide when the tree is planted and follow-up care.

Digging the hole
Don't skimp on this job. "it's better to put a $100.00 tree on a $200.00 hole than it is to put a $200.00 tree in a $100.00 hole." Make the whole wide, as much as three times the diameter of the rootball, but only as deep as the rootball. It is important to make the hole wide because the tree roots on a newly established tree must push through surrounding soil to establish. Breaking up the soil in a large area around the tree provides the newly emerging roots room to expand into loose soil to hasten establishment.

Place the tree in the hole
Before placing the tree in the hole, check to make sure the hole has been dug to the proper depth and no more. The majority of the roots on a newly planted tree will develop in the top 12" of soil. If the tree is planted too deep, new roots will have difficulty developing due to a lack of oxygen. It is better to plant the tree a little high, 1-2" above the trunk flare, than to plant it at or below the original growing level. This will allow for some settling. To avoid damage when setting the tree in the hole, always lift the tree by the rootball and never by the trunk.

Straighten the tree
Before you begin backfilling, have someone view the tree from several directions to confirm that the tree is straight. Once you begin backfilling, it is difficult to reposition.

Fill in the Hole
Fill the hole about 1/3 full and gently but firmly pack the soil around the base of the rootball. Then water the soil around the ball to help remove any air pockets. If the tree is balled and burlapped, cut and remove the string and wire from around the trunk. Now you can fill the rest of the hole with soil. Be careful not to damage the trunk or roots in the process.

Staking
It is not necessary to stake the plant unless it is very loose in the soil. Studies have shown that trees will establish more quickly and develop stronger trunk and root systems if they are not staked at the time of planting. However, protective staking may be required where windy conditions are a concern. If staking is necessary for support, two stakes used in conjunction with a wide flexible tie material will hold the tree upright and minimize injury to the trunk. Remove support staking and ties after the first year of growth.

Mulching
Mulch acts as a blanket to hold moisture, protect against harsh soil temperatures, both hot and cold, and reduces competition from grass and weeds. A 2-4" layer is ideal. When placing mulch, care should be taken so that the actual trunk of the tree is not covered.

Thank you for choosing Holly Days Nursery, Inc. and we look forward to meeting your future needs.