Info. Center:  FAQ:   Top Ten Questions for Planting Nursery Stock & Trees

1. When Is the Best Time to Plant?
2. When Planting Trees, Do I leave On the Wire Basket and Burlap?
3. How Deep Should I Plant My New Nursery Stock?
4. What Type of Soil Mix Should I use when planting?
5. What Is Plant Starter?
6. When Should I Fertilize My Newly Planted Nursery Stock?
7. Should I Prune My Plants when planting?
8. How Often Should I Water?
9. Should I Cover My Nursery Stock in Cold Weather?
10. Where Can I Get Complete Planting Instructions?

1.  When Is the Best Time to Plant?

Fall is ideal for planting nursery stock and trees.  The cooler weather and higher moisture levels allow the plants to establish with less stress.  Nursery stock can be planted with excellent results September through December.

2. When Planting Trees, Do I leave On the Wire Basket and Burlap?

Yes, do not remove the burlap and wire basket. Cut all strings and fold burlap and wire back from the top of the root ball. The burlap and basket will decay in the soil.

3. How Deep Should I Plant My New Nursery Stock?

Plants like to be in a well-drained location. Generally plant so that 1/4 of the root ball is above ground level. Work your soil mix around, and up to, the root ball level (see Planting Instructions in the Info. Center).  Planting too deeply will cause root rot and suffocation of the plant.

4. What Type of Soil Mix Should I use when planting?

We generally recommend 1/3 Jungle Growth Planting Mix and 2/3 existing soil.  Blend all ingredients and you will have a great starter mix.

5. What Is Plant Starter?

Plant starter is a vitamin B-3 supplement that encourages root growth and limits transplant shock.  This product is mixed with water and is recommended when planting nursery stock and trees.

6. When Should I Fertilize My Newly Planted Nursery Stock?

Wait six to eight weeks to fertilize and use a slow release fertilizer.
 

7. Should I Prune My Plants when planting?

Generally, nursery stock and trees purchased from a professional garden center should be at their optimum planting size.  Pruning is not usually necessary unless the plant is overgrown or oversized for the root ball size.

8. How Often Should I Water?

Newly planted nursery stock and trees should be soaked thoroughly 2 to 3 times per week.  Once established, two to three times per month is adequate.  Do not over-water in soils that are poorly drained.

9. Should I Cover My Nursery Stock in Cold Weather?

Nursery stock and trees purchased from your local garden center should be hardy in our zone.  Be sure to ask about cold hardiness on all nursery stock you plant.  There are many borderline plants that will survive in this area with a little cold weather protection.

10. Where Can I Get Complete Planting Instructions?

Please refer to Planting Instructions in our Information Center for your complete copy or visit Hudgins Garden Center and talk with a professional gardener.