Trees, Shrubs or Perennials

Begin with the tree or shrub or perennial root ball nice and moist. Remove the plant from the pot, and with a sharp knife score the root ball 2-3 times evenly around. If the plant is balled and burlaped, untie the rope around the top. Dig the hole no deeper than the root ball of the plant. It is important to maintain the same soil level. It is good to dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball. Mix the soil you take out with equal parts peat moss and composted manure. You should have 1/3 soil, 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 composted cow manure, and organic fertilizer. Now mix these together and this is what you will put back in the hole around the root ball. `Espoma' brand plant fertilizer is a good choice of organic fertilizer. One handful for 1 gallon and smaller size pot, and 2 handfuls for 3 gallon and larger root balls. Lightly firm the soil as you go. When you are done filling the hole, the soil should be even with the top of the root ball.

Shredded organic mulch, such as mixed hardwoods should be applied to the top of the soil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches. It is important not to get the mulch up around the stems or trunk of the plant.

Water the soil around the plant. It is not necessary to water the plant stems or branches. A slow deep soaking is best for root development. If there is no rain for a few days after planting, do a slow deep soaking of the soil around the plant, and continue checking soil moisture every week. Keeping the soil moist during the first season is important for the root development and to ensure that the plant becomes established.