If plans for your garden include a new tree, you might as well start out right. Here are six steps to help make planting your new tree easy:
- Dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball, but not any deeper. If you’re planting in the lawn, you might want to consider planting a bit higher so the crown is slightly above the turf. This will keep the tree from drowning in the water your lawn requires.
- Don’t worry too much about digging a perfectly shaped hole—it won’t impress the tree.
- Before placing the tree in the hole, fill the hole with water. If it doesn’t drain in an hour, you need some further coaching—stop by and let one of our gardeners help determine the cause before planting.
- Remove the containers and position the tree in the hole. Wire, fiber pots, and (true) burlap don’t need to be removed, but do cut away twine and any excess burlap or fiber (be careful to disturb the root ball as little as possible).
- Depending on your soil, you will want to amend the “refill mix” with fertilizer or compost. Different soils absorb and release water differently, so make sure to check the soil water content (at root depth) physically or with a water meter. Your new tree needs moist, not soggy or dry, soil at root depth. As the tree matures, water deeper, but less frequently. (Stop by and talk to one of our gardeners about the type of soil in your garden and they will help you determine the perfect “refill mix” for your tree.
- Fertilize when planting with WGC root starter. Delay additional fertilizing for fall planted trees until the next spring to avoid stimulating excessive top growth. Follow the instructions, more is not better, especially near new growth roots.
We have everything you need to keep your newly planted tree strong and healthy. Feel free to stop by and let us help with all of your tree planting needs. We have the perfect fertilizers and mulch to get your tree off to a good start.
But remember, always follow the current label instructions of any pesticide you might use. Label changes do occur, so be aware that older instructions might sometimes need to be adjusted/disregarded so application conforms to the current pesticide container label.
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Becky is a wife, mother, avid cook and novice gardener. She loves growing organic, wholesome food right in her backyard that she can transform into a delicious creation in her kitchen. When she's not growing or cooking food, she enjoys running half marathons, reading, and watching her children pull weeds in the garden.
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