How to Plant Balled and Burlapped Trees

"Balled and Burlapped" means the tree is literally cut from the ground. The plant retains a portion of the ground in which it was grown. Many of the roots are cut, but the ground in the ball will remain solid and the small root hairs on the roots remain intact. If given proper care new roots will start growing when the tree is planted in its new location. It is an excellent way to plant when the trees are handled properly and the root ball is not damaged.

DRAINAGE IS EVERYTHING:

You must do a perc test to see if your plant will survive where you want to plant it. 1. Dig a 2 foot by 2 foot hole where you want to plant your tree.

2. Fill it with water.

3. Time how long it takes to drain. If it takes a lot longer than 3 hours you should try to find a new location OR dig a hole at least 4 feet wide and 4 feet deep. Fill the bottom of the hole with one foot of river rock to act as a sump for water to run away from the root system. In addition to the following planting instructions below, add gypsum to the mulch and soil mix.

4. If it takes 3 hours or less to drain, your tree should do well when planted according to the following instructions.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Dig a hole at least twice as wide and twice as deep as the depth of the root ball.

2. Refill the bottom of the hole with a mixture of 1 part compost and 2 parts soil. Very carefully and gently lower the tree into the hole. It is very important not to drop the tree.

3. Set the top of the root ball even with the surrounding grade and build a good basin to hold water.

4. After planting, cut the twine from around the base of the trunk. Roll back the burlap cover away from the trunk of the tree. Leave the burlap intact as it will rot away.

5. Finish filling the hole with your mulch and soil mix. Fill with water and let it settle.

6. If necessary, add more mulch and soil mix, being careful to leave a generous water basin. Be sure to apply Fertilome Root Stimulator to prevent transplant shock and encourage root growth. On large trees use stakes and guy wires to anchor against snow and wind.

WATERING:

All transplanted trees and shrubs need water and rarely survive the first few years on what nature provides. You must water your new transplants every day for the first 3 or 4 days. Then water every 7 to 10 days deeply during the warm months and at least once per month during the winter except during periods of very heavy rain or snow. You must add ample water to wet the soil enough to soak through to the base of the root system at each watering. Keep up with this schedule for at least 2 to 3 years.

Remember, clay soil does not drain well and therefore does not require as much water. Too much water may cause the roots to suffocate. We suggest you use a moisture meter to check your soil between waterings. © 2009 by Plant Fair Nursery, Inc.