1. Dig a hole 2 to 2.5 times greater than the diameter of the root ball. Do not dig the planting hole any deeper than the root ball since the soil that you disturb will eventually settle causing the plant to settle too deep. Prepare the hole 1”–2” too shallow. This will ensure that your plant will not sink too deep to breathe.
2. Amend the existing soil that you remove with approximately 25% organic matter. (Recommended sources of organic matter are Black Forest, Bumper Crop, Peat moss and Compost.
3. If planting burlap and balled plant material; completely remove all burlap and rope from around the root ball before planting. If planting a container grown plant, gently break-up the root ball from the base and side of the foot mass. If the plant is too root-bound, you will need to “butterfly” the roots by vertically splitting open the bottom of the root mass.
4. Correctly position the plant upright in the center of your planning hole.
5. Back-fill the planting hole with your prepared soil mix. Tamp the back-fill & then thoroughly water to ensure that the soil has settled.
6. We recommend using a new transplant starter, such as Master Nursery Root Master B-1. These chemicals have been enriched with beneficial additives to help stimulate root growth & development.
7. All disturbed soil must then be finished off with 2”-3” of mulching material to prevent soil erosion & moisture loss.
8. Continued post-transplant care will provide your new transplant with a better chance of survival. Be sure to water the plant regularly for the first growing season. Watering requirement will vary with the weather cycles. To determine if your plant needs watering, place your hand under the mulching and into the soil. If moist, wait to water. If dry, place your garden hose on a slow trickle at the base of the trunk & allow it remain there for approximately 15 minutes. This will ensure an adequate, deep watering which will also encourage deep root development.