Planting Guidelines

Planting Guidelines

Container Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, and Perennials

1.    Call JULIE Locate

• Before any digging begins, call JULIE (811) to have underground utilities located and marked.
• Always wait until utilities are marked and the site is cleared before digging.

1. Dig the Hole
• Hole should be 10–12 inches wider than the container diameter for trees, shrubs, and evergreens.  For perennials, the hole should be 4-6 inches wider.
• Depth: Set the root ball so the top of the soil in the container is level with the surrounding ground.

• For poorly drained or clay soils: raise the root ball ½ to 1 inch above grade to improve drainage.
1. Remove the Plant from the Container
• Gently tap the container on the sides and lay it on its side.
• Remove the plant carefully.
2. Root Preparation
• Check for circling roots. Gently cut or score roots on the side to encourage outward growth.
• The root flare or root collar must be visible above grade. Planting too deep is a leading cause of plant mortality.
• Place the plant in the hole and fill it halfway with soil.
• Fill the remaining soil and lightly firm again.
3. Straighten and Compact
• Ensure the plant is upright and stable.
• Re-compact soil around the plant using gentle pressure (walking in a circular motion around the trunk).
• Stake only if necessary—for tall, top-heavy plants or windy locations.  We recommend all single-stem trees and items in high wind areas.

1. Moat/Water Basin
• For larger plants, form a small moat around the base where the soil meets the backfill.
• Typical height: 2–4 inches, depending on plant size.
2. Mulching
• Apply a 3-inch layer of bark mulch, we do not recommend rock mulch until the plant is established.

• Place at least in the moat; extending outward helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Keep the mulch away from the trunk roughly 2-3 inches.

1. Watering
• Any watering requirements should be performed according to the Country Arbors Nursery watering guidelines found on our website.

 

 

 

Balled and Burlapped Trees, Shrubs, and Evergreens

1.    Call JULIE Locate

• Before any digging begins, call JULIE (811) to have underground utilities located and marked.
• Always wait until utilities are marked and the site is cleared before digging.
1. Dig the Hole
• Hole should be 8–12 inches wider than the root ball.
• Depth: Plant so the root ball is 2–3 inches above grade for trees, 1–2 inches for shrubs.
• Do not amend the bottom of the hole; avoid planting too deep.
• The root flare or root collar must be visible above grade. Planting too deep is a leading cause of plant mortality.
• For heavy clay soils: elevate 4–8 inches depending on compaction.
2. Place the Plant
• Carefully position the plant in the hole without disturbing the root ball.
• Verify proper elevation before filling soil.
3. Straighten and Fill
• Ensure the plant is vertical.
• Fill the hole one-third at a time, lightly firming to remove air pockets.
4. Remove Wrappings
• Cut and remove twine, rope, and tags from the trunk.
• Remove burlap from the top only; leave the ball’s burlap in place.
• If there is a wire basket, bend prongs downward, do not remove the basket.
5. Final Soil Compaction
• After filling one-third, lightly firm soil. Continue filling in increments, firming each layer.
6. Moat/Water Basin
• Form a 4–6 inch moat around the base depending on plant size.
7. Mulching
• Apply a 3-inch layer of bark mulch, we do not recommend rock mulch until the plant is established.
• Place at least in the moat; extending outward helps retain moisture and improve root establishment.
• Keep the mulch away from the trunk roughly 2-3 inches.

9.    Staking:

• Stake only if necessary—for tall, top-heavy plants or windy locations.  We recommend all single-stem trees and items in high wind areas.
9. Watering
• Any watering requirements should be performed according to the Country Arbors Nursery watering guidelines found on our website.