Dig a hole at least 1.5
times the width of the root ball and twice as deep. Backfill the
hole halfway with gravel and tamp it lightly so that the top of
the root ball will be level with the original ground grade after
planting.
Plant. Place tree in the
center of the hole, keeping it as straight and vertical as
possible. Do not remove the stake if there is one attached to
the tree. The stake will help your tree grow straight for the
first year. Backfill the hole about halfway, tamping the soil
down lightly as you go to avoid air pockets. Apply fertilizer a
few inches from the root ball and backfill the rest of the hole,
once more tamping lightly as you go. Use any excess soil to
build a collar or "berm," approximately 12 inches from the
center of the tree, to hold in water. At this point, water your
tree thoroughly and let the water soak in before proceeding.
Keep the soil damp for the first 2-3 months for optimal growth.
Mulch around your tree with mulch
such as wood chips or pine bark.
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