Dig the Hole
Remember, proper planting is crucial to the survival of your new tree.
Remove your tree from the container carefully – the roots and soil should not separate too much. If the tree is stuck in the container, jiggle it a bit to loosen the roots.
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Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the container and the depth should be the same as the top of the soil in the container.
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Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface. Planting too deep could cause your tree to die.
- Once you have proper depth, either by removing dirt or back filling so the base of the tree is about even with the ground, massage the roots to allow excess dirt to fall off. This allows the roots to spread faster, but be sure no to brake roots, do it GENTLY. If plants had a brain the roots would be it so be gentle...
Fill it in and water it Place the tree back into the hole.
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Once your tree is in position, fill the hole with soil until it is half full.
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Slowly water to saturate the soil (this removes air pockets that could also kill your new tree), then fill the hole with remainder of soil and soak again.
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Next, place an organic mulch such as wood chips, leaves, pine needles or pine bark 3 to 4 inches deep around the entire planting area without coming in direct contact with the trunk.
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Wet down the mulch.