PLANTING FIELD-POTTED WOOD BASKET STOCK
                             *DO NOT REMOVE WOOD BASKET*

        It is very important to plant the tree in the basket so as not to disturb the root ball.
     The untreated wood plant basket deteriorates very quickly and does not cause rooting problems. 
     Roots can grow through the wood plant basket even before the basket deteriorates. 

	

The planting hole should be dug approximately one foot larger than the basket.  Loosen soil                     in the bottom of the hole and firm the bottom soil before setting the plant. It is very important that the plant be planted at the same depth or slightly higher than its depth in the nursery. 

Remove the top rim of the basket with a pruner, utility knife, etc. enough so no material is visible above the ground. It may act as a wick and dry the root ball.

Once your plant is properly placed, you can partially backfill and pack firmly using the original soil dug from the hole. While poor soils may benefit from the addition of organic matter, you should never completely backfill with an amendment.  If a soil amendment is called for, it should be mixed thoroughly with the original soil prior to backfilling the planting hole. In most cases, plants will grow best if the original soil is altered as little as possible.  A qualified nursery professional can advise you on whether or not amendments are appropriate for your conditions. 

Finish backfill. Water thoroughly.  
Add more soil after settling. 
3-4” of mulch is recommended covering the backfill soil area. Keep a small ring next to the trunk free of mulch. 

	

Most trees should receive 5-10 gallons of water once or more per week. Watering requirements change with the season, soil type, and tree size. It is possible to both over-water and under-water your tree.

Depending on the size of the tree and the site conditions, staking may be beneficial. Staking supports the tree until the roots are well established, which properly anchors it. Staking should allow for some movement of the tree. After trees are established, remove all support ropes and wires. If these are not removed, they can girdle the tree, cutting into the trunk and eventually killing the tree. 

NOTE:  Before digging, always contact the state agency responsible for designating where all utility lines are located.        DIAL 811 for Utility Notification Center

	

PLANTING B&B STOCK

Roots of balled and bur1apped stock will be seriously damaged if the root ball is broken 
or disturbed in any way or is allowed to dry out. Keep root ball moist at all times. Dry roots die, so proper care and handling is extremely important. 

Dig hole approximately twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. Carefully place tree in hole, making sure it stands straight and top of root ball is at ground level.

Remove all rope from the trunk. Backfill hole halfway up root ball then cut and remove visible portions of wire basket and burlap without disturbing the root ball.

Finish backfilling hole to top of root ball leaving no exposed burlap. Heel in soil with foot over entire backfill area to remove air pockets from the soil.

Remove all twine that binds the branches of the tree. Gently fluff the branches back into their natural position. Remove tagging ribbon from the tree. 

Water root ball and entire backfill area. Let settle and finish with more soil. Layer 3-4” of mulch over backfilled area, keeping mulch away from trunk. 

Larger B&B trees should receive 10-20 gallons of water once or more per week. Watering requirements change with the season, soil type, and tree size. It is possible to both over-water and under-water your tree.

Depending on the size of the tree and the site conditions, staking may be beneficial. Staking supports the tree until the roots are well established, which properly anchors it. Staking should allow for some movement of the tree. After trees are established, remove all support ropes and wires. If these are not removed, they can girdle the tree, cutting into the trunk and eventually killing the tree. 

NOTE:  Before digging, always contact the state agency responsible for designating where all utility lines are located.        DIAL 811 for Utility Notification Center