PLANT IT

HOW TO PLANT YOUR TREE

Adapted from a procedure recommended by California ReLeaf
 
Build a water basin with a berm at least 4" high. Remove in winter.

Skin off, remove and discard grass and weeds from a 3 to 4 foot wide planting site. Dig to a depth of 8 to 10 inches in the center of the hole, and 18 inches on the side, and remove the soil.

Carefully remove the tree's root ball from its container and, with your hands, gently loosen any outside roots from the sides and bottom, taking care not to break or damage the root ball. Cut large, circling roots to prevent future girdling.

Remove the nursery stake, if any.

Place the tree in the center of the planting hole on undisturbed soil so the root crown (where the trunk meets the roots) is about _ inch above ground level. Determine the direction of the prevailing wind, and rotate the tree so that the strong branches are facing into the wind.

Place two stakes on opposite sides of the tree, approximately 18 inches from the trunk.

After discarding grass and weeds, partly back fill the hole with the soil you removed.

Place approximately 4 inches of compost into the hole and mix well with native soil. Finish back filling the planting hole (half compost/half native soil.) Cover the root ball but DO NOT COVER THE ROOT CROWN!

Loosely tie the tree trunk to each of the stakes. Place the ties high enough to support the tree in an upright position, but loose enough for growth and movement. DO NOT GIRDLE THE TRUNK!

Build a berm around the tree, 3 to 4 feet wide and 4 inches high. This will conserve water and direct moisture to the root ball. Water thoroughly right after planting to soak the root ball, settle the soil and collapse air pockets.

Spread a 4 inch layer of compost over entire planting area leaving the root crown bare.

In active wildlife areas, use chicken wire or fencing to protect the trunk. In lawns, use protectors against weed whackers.