BALLED & BURLAPPED
Prepare a planting hole 4-6” wider than the root ball. The top of the root ball should be 1-2” above ground level after planting. For evergreen trees, the top of the root ball should be 2-3” above the ground level after planting. Planting slightly above ground level helps ensure better drainage in clay soils.
The wire basket surrounding the root ball provides support and should not be removed. Once the tree is in position, remove all the rope and twine from the ball and all the nails that hold the burlap together. Pull the burlap back, cut away any loose material, and bend back the wire basket. Don't worry about regular burlap under the root ball; it can stay put. However, vinyl or treated burlap should be removed completely. Fill the hole with your original soil and water deeply.
Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch on and around the planting. For the health of the plant, never let the mulch touch the trunk of a tree (no mulch volcanoes!).
For the first year, keep the soil and mulch moist but not soggy. In dry weather, you should water generously every 7–10 days. The water should soak into the soil and mulch. Avoid watering so much that you see standing water. If the first 2 inches of soil are dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
CONTAINERS
Prepare a planting hole 4-6” wider than the diameter of the container. Remove the plastic container and loosen the roots. Set the plant at the same level it was growing in the container.
Backfill the hole with the original soil and mulch with a 2-3” layer of shredded hardwood mulch avoiding the trunk area.
For the first year, keep the soil and mulch moist but not soggy. In dry weather, you should water generously every 7–10 days. The water should soak into the soil and mulch. Avoid watering so much that you see standing water. If the first 2 inches of soil are dry to the touch, it’s time to water.