• First, measure the width of the root ball or container. The hole you dig should be approximately 1 1/2 time the width of the actual root ball. The depth of the hole should be equivalent to the depth of the root ball. Example: The root ball is 24" wide and 24" deep. The hole should measure 36"wide (6" of space all around the root ball) and 24" deep.
   
• Be sure to keep the soil you've dug out, as you will need this to fill in the hole later.
   
• Place the tree or shrub in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball (where the trunk meets the soil of the root ball) is level with the ground. It won't harm the tree if the very top is exposed a 1/2" - 1" above ground level. However, being below ground level can cause serious problems (as you will read about later.)
   
• If you have clay soil (very thick, no drainage), the top of the root ball should be elevated 3" - 4" above ground to improve the drainage.
   
• Get the tree or shrub as straight as you'd like, and then begin to fill the hole. Fill in the hole with a mixture of the existing soil and soil amendments such as peat moss, manure, or an all-in-one amendment such as Bumper Crop*. If you're not sure what the ratio of existing soil and soil amendments should be, ask someone at your local nursery. you should know first what type of soil you have, as this will help determine what to add to it.
   
• Once the hole is filled, cover the soil with 2"-3" of mulch. All mulches have the same purpose and are comparable, so choice really depends on taste of color or size. Just be sure not to pile the soil and/or mulch up against the trunk! This can trap air and cause rotting in your root system.
   
• We also recommend using a root stimulant, such as Master Nursery B1 Starter Fertilizer**, as this will help develop a strong root system early on in your plant's life.
   
• Once you have completed all these steps, water your plant thoroughly. This will get rid of any air pockets in the soil.
   
• Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered approximately 3 times a week, depending on weather conditions and the plant's specifications. Keep watering this amount for about 6 months, or until the plant is well-established. More watering instructions.
   
• As always, ask your local nursery expert about fertilizing and pruning, as each tree and shrub has different specifications.

*Bumper Crop® Organic Soil Amendment - East Coast
A blend of sphagnum peat moss, composted fish bones & lobster shells, composted chicken & cow manure, peat humus, blood meal, kelp/seaweed and aged bark fines. An all purpose pre-fertilized planting and garden soil amendment. Excels as a nutrient rich top dressing and mulch.

**Root Master® B-1 Hormone Concentrate
Used to prevent transplant shock in plants and to stimulate healthy root growth in newly planted trees & shrubs.