Info. Center:  Planting Instructions

Think of the tree or shrub you purchased as a lifetime investment. How well your plant grows depends on the type of plant, location of planting, care in planting and follow-up care you provide.

• Dig a broad hole 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball, but 1-2" shallower than the root ball.
• Prevent the tree from settling deeper into the hole by making sure the bottom of the hole is firm. Do not put loose soil beneath the ball. Most of the roots grow in the top 12 inches of soil.
• Place the plant on undisturbed solid ground in the center of the hole, straightening it and making sure it is 2-3" above the soil line.
• Cut through circling or matted roots on both sides of the root ball. If the tree is B&B, remove pins, nails, and roping from the trunk and top of the ball as you begin to backfill. Pull back the burlap from the top 3rd of the ball and cut or drop it to the bottom of the hole, backfilling over top of it.
• Mix the soil from the hole with a soil amendment like our Jungle Growth Planting Mix (1/3 mix to 2/3 existing soil). Don't overdo the amendment and don't add other topsoil mixes because you want the roots to adapt to your existing soil.
• Backfill half the soil, then gently pack the soil around the root ball. Water well to settle out air pockets. Finish backfilling, firm the soil, and then water again.
• Spread 2-3" of mulch around the base of the plant making sure it does not touch the trunk or stem. Think of a bagel of mulch rather than a volcano up against the trunk.
• Stake trees only as necessary. Trees establish quicker and develop stronger trunks and roots if they are not staked when planted. However, staking may be needed if they have large crowns, are on a windy site, or need protection from vandals or lawn mowers.

Staking Trees

• Trees over 6 feet tall, trees that are not self-supporting or those susceptible to wind should be staked to promote a good, healthy root system.
• Wrap trunk area to be staked with tree wrap to prevent sun scald to trunk.  Insert 3-4  2'x2' hardwood stakes into ground.  Use wire to attach tree to stakes.  Be sure to use a piece of staking hose around wire where it wraps the trunk, to prevent wire from cutting into trunk.
• Remove stakes after six months if tree seems stable enough to support itself.

Care After Planting

• Follow-up care should include keeping the soil moist but not soaked. Water a minimum of 1" a week. In dry, hot weather more water may be required, especially during the first year.
• Watch plant closely, especially the first 30 days after planting.
• Deep water - thoroughly soak root ball twice a week or if plant appears wilted.
• After initial 30 day period, water thoroughly three times a month under normal condition.  Remember to water if plant looks wilted or shows signs of stress.
• Guard against conditions that are too soggy.  If plant is not draining well, steps should be taken to improve drainage. 
• Remember to water your plants in the winter. If we do not have a wet winter your plants will need to be watered. Strong northern winds will dry a plant out quickly.

Feeding

• Wait 6-8 weeks to fertilize plants installed in the spring and only use a slow release fertilizer. Wait until spring to fertilize fall planted trees and shrubs. Research shows that fertilizer at planting time is not recommended. After the first year, fertilize in early spring before new growth begins and late fall after the first killing frost. Avoid fertilizer in summer and early fall. Our full line of Espoma products are a good choice. Apply fertilizer at the drip line and water in well..

Pruning

• Prune only to remove broken, damaged, or dead branches. After the tree is established, pruning should be minimal to retain the natural shape of the tree. Be careful not to remove any more than 1/3 of the leaf-bearing surface at a single time.

Pest Control

• Preventative spraying can be started in late May and continued throughout summer. 
• To provide you with the best solution to a pest problem, bring in a picture of the distressed plant or an actual pest for identification.  Once properly identified, a Hudgins professional will make the right recommendation for pest control.

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