Guide to Planting Trees
- Dig a hole as deep as the tree root ball and twice as wide.
- Remove the plant from its container, holding it by the root ball
and not the trunk. Set the root ball in the planting hole. The top of
the root ball should be level or slightly higher than the surrounding
soil. In heavy clay soil, raise the root ball 2 inches above ground
for every 10 gallon container size.
- Mix 1 cup gypsum with every 5 gallons of soil removed from hole.
Return the soil as backfill up to the halfway mark of the hole.
Spread time-released fertilizer for trees (Agriform pellets) around
the tree roots. Add the remaining soil, filling the hole to ground
level. Firmly settle the soil to eliminate air pockets.
- Build a water basin around the plant to allow for easy watering
for the first year. Water thoroughly once a week using 5 gallons of
water with teaspoon of Superthrive plant growth stimulant. 5
gallons of water are equivalent to 1 inch of rainfall, so adjust
your watering to account for weather conditions and water from
sprinklers.
- Apply a thick layer (4 feet deep and 2 feet wide) of
Red
Shredded Mulch over the soil area to conserve moisture, discourage
weeds, and buffer root temperatures.
- Use ferti-lome Root Stimulator (3 1/2 tablespoons per gallon of water) for the first 2 months. This will encourage faster rooting and lessen transplant shock.
Growing Tips for Trees and Shrubs
Water
Each tree and shrub needs 1 to 15 gallons of water once a week. During drought periods or in very sandy soil, water every 5 days. During abnormally wet periods or in very heavy soil, water every 10 to 14 days.
Fertilizer
Use Superthrive with every watering for the first 3 months after planting. Continue feedings once a month for the first year. Feed with Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Fertilizer after six months, beginning in February or October.
Disease
Watch for lesions or occasional leaf spots. Spray with suitable fungicide, if necessary. If you are unsure about a problem, bring a sample of the affected plant into Heirloom Gardens and have one of our Certified Nursery Professionals assist you.
Weeds & Grass
For the first year, pull or spray with glyphosate under the tree canopy to keep the mulch area clean.
Insects
Watch for holes in leaves or insects gathering at end of branches. Treat with appropriate control measure.
We want to help your tree or shrub grow. If you see any unusual changes in the foliage or branches, please dont hesitate to call us at Heirloom Gardens. Addressing small concerns in the beginning will insure a healthier plant in the future.
