Plant Selection
Plant Selection
Before selecting a plant, it is
important to observe the growing conditions of the area to be planted. Consider:
- The hours of direct sunlight
- the soil type (clay, loamy, sandy)
- the proximity of a water source.
If you are uncertain, ask our
staff if the plant you have selected is a good match for the conditions of your planting area.
Digging the Planting Hole
- Measure the height of the rootball. A tape measure or length of twine can be used to measure the rootball.
- Dig the hole so that the depth
is 1 to 2 inches less than the height of the rootball. The diameter of the hole
should be 2 to 3 times the width of the rootball.
Tip: Do not dig too deep, as
the soil will settle. The top of the rootball should be 1 to 2 inches above
ground level.
Soil condition:
If the soil is in poor condition, amend the soil that you have removed from the
hole with a small amount of compost. Mix compost thoroughly with the original
soil prior to backfilling the planting hole.
Removing Plant and Planting:
Tip: Your new plant should be
planted within 2 to 3 days of receipt. A delay in planting will be detrimental
to the health of your plant and its roots.
Burlapped plants:
Leave the burlap cover on the rootball. Any nylon or plastic rope wrapped around
the plants trunk must be removed.
Container plants:
- To remove the plant, tap the container on a hard surface to loosen the plant
from the sides of the container.
- Carefully remove.
- Observe the rootball.
- If the roots are circling,
score the rootball by making several vertical slices around the rootball. If
the roots are circling around the base of the rootball, loosen by gently pulling
them away. This encourages the roots to spread out after planting.
- Set plant in the hole. Make
sure it is centered and straight from all sides.
- Evenly backfill around the
plant. Pack the soil to eliminate air pockets.
- When your planting hole is
approximately ﾾ full, water the plant.
- Finish filling the hole and
water again.
- Form a raised ridge of soil
around the outside edge of the hole to form a berm to help hold in water. Apply several inches of mulch
around the plant.
Tip: Mulch helps the soil to
retain moisture, and it provides protection against wide fluctuations in soil
temperatures. Mulch will also inhibit weed growth.
