Tree Planting + Care

Aug 19

Planting Process

Always call Dig Line prior to digging
The planting hole should always be wider than the roots or root ball, two to three times wider is best. The planting hole should be saucer shaped with tapered sides
It is important not to dig the planting hole any deeper than the root ball or pot. To prevent settling after planting, the root ball needs to rest on undisturbed soil. Planting a tree too deep can kill it. It is best to plant 1 to 3 inches above ground level to ensure the tree isn’t planted too deep
Keep burlap/twine/wire basket on the rootball until the tree is placed into the hole. For potted trees, remove pot once the tree is placed near the hole. For trees with burlap/twine/wire basket once in the hole you may remove only the top ⅓ of the burlap/twine/wire basket away from the base of the trunk. Leave the bottom ⅔ of the burlap/twine/wire basket for the stability of the root ball
Fill in hole and water well to help settle the soil, remove air pockets, and thoroughly hydrate the root ball initially after planting

Wire baskets are an important part of transplanting trees. The basket functions as support for the root ball to ensure an intact root system
Due to potential damage to the root system, we recommend the basket not be removed before the tree is placed in the planting hole
Once placed in the planting hole you may remove the top 1/3 of the wire cage, twine, and burlap. If this is done we recommend staking the new tree for a minimum of 1 year to increase stability
If the top 1/3 of the wire cage, twine, and burlap is not removed at planting for stability, it is very important to untie twine and pull burlap away from the trunk no later than 1 year after being planted. Failure to do this may cause damage to or death of the tree
When planting container trees, once the container is removed make sure to flare out any girdling roots for healthy root growth

We do not recommend fertilizing at the time of planting. However, depending on size of the root ball adding a bag of our Premium Planting Compost in the backfill soil can greatly increase root health
Mulch should be placed around every newly planted tree to conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures. The mulch should cover an area up to a minimum of 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball and 3-4 inches deep
Keep mulch 2” away from the trunk
For comprehensive watering please speak with one of our staff members so we can discuss your watering needs for your specific tree

When stability is a problem (i.e. strong winds in the area or if all burlap/twine is removed), trees should be staked for at least 1 year until growth of the new roots have stabilized the tree. Stakes are available for purchase
Staking for 1 year minimum should be used if burlap and twine is removed at planting
Sometimes trees with thin bark can be damaged by the sun (sunscald) and should be protected with the use of tree wrap. Ask one of our staff members if tree wrap is right for you

For more information or questions feel free to ask us!

Arbor Farms Nursery

(208)-941-3000 - sales@arbor.farm

16761 Idaho Center Blvd. Nampa, ID 83687

Troy Bratvold