By properly planting and caring for your new tree or shrub, you will ensure its long-term success.

TWO IMPORTANT RULES:

  1. The planting hole should be 2-3 times as wide and 1-2 inches shallower than the height of the root ball.

  2. The trunk flare should be visible above the soil surface. Burying the trunk flare is a common mistake which leads to tree decline or death.

 
 

Successful Planting Step-by-Step

  1. DIG A HOLE - Dig a hole that is 2-3 times as wide as the root ball and only deep enough so the top of the root ball is even with the original soil level.

  2. PREPARE YOUR PLANT - Remove any tags, wires, or ropes attached to the plant. Remove the plant from its container and massage out the roots. Snip off roots growing in a circle and up around the base of the plant.

  3. PREPARE THE SOIL - Amend the soil removed from the planting hole with Miracle Gro Garden Soil Trees & Shrubs. We recommend a 70/30 soil/Miracle Gro blend.

  4. PLANT - Place the plant into the hole, making sure it stands up straight, and not too deep or too shallow. You can lay your shovel handle flat across the hole to compare the top of the root ball to the original soil level. Fill in the space around the tree with the amended soil. Tap the loose soil around the root ball to remove air pockets.

  5. WATER - The initial watering of a new plant should be done by hand to completely soack the root ball.

  6. MULCH - Mulch can be applied to a depth of 2-3 inches to help concerve moisture. It should be kept away from the base of the tree or shrub. Be sure not to creat a mulch "mountain" around the base of any tree or shrub. This can cause disease and will prevent the plant from getting it's much needed oxygen.

  7. FERTILIZE - We recommend using Fertilome Root Stimulator & Plant Starter Solution. It stimulates early root formation and stronger root development. It also reduces transplant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants.

Establishment Watering

85% of plants that fail do so because of improper watering. Watering is not an exact science and your plants’ needs will depend on many factors including soil conditions, rainfall, elevation, slope, and plant species. Generally speaking, it takes at least two years for a newly planted tree to become established. During that time much of the plant’s energy is devoted to developing the root system, which requires consistent and deep watering, particularly in the first year. Slow, deep, deliberate supplemental hand watering is needed to establish a new tree or shrub.

IMPORTANT: An in-ground irrigation system used to water the lawn or an oscillating sprinkler is not sufficient to water a newly planted tree or shrub. If you are using an in-ground sprinkler system, you will need to supplement with hand watering until your plants are established.

Choose one of the following watering methods to completely saturate the root ball during the establishment period:

  • Place a trickling hose at the base of the plant for 30-60 minutes.

  • Use a hose with nozzle set to “shower” mode and water until you see pooling at the base of the plant.

Notes

  • Be sure to keep up with watering until the ground freezes. Plants will weather winter best if they are well-hydrated.

  • The best time of day to water is morning, this gives the plant plenty of time to absorb the water and allows foliage to dry during the day.

  • In spring, be sure to wake up your garden with thorough, deep watering when the ground thaws.