Planting and care for new trees and shrubs

When your plants arrive

Open the package promptly and inspect the plants. Contact us if anything appears damaged or unusually dry.

Plant as soon as practical. Until then, keep plants cool and sheltered. Keep bare roots wrapped in their moist packing material and out of sun and wind. If planting must be delayed for more than a few days, temporarily heel bare root plants into moist soil.

Planting depth

Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots without bending or circling them. Set a tree at the depth it grew in the nursery, with the root flare at the soil surface. Keep the graft union of a grafted tree above the soil. Set shrubs at their previous soil level.

Backfill with the soil removed from the hole. Do not create a pocket of rich potting soil or compost around the roots. Firm the soil gently and water thoroughly to settle it around the roots.

Mulch and water

Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch over the root area to conserve moisture and reduce competition from grass and weeds. Keep mulch away from trunks and stems.

Check the soil regularly during the first growing season. Water deeply when the soil below the mulch is beginning to dry, adjusting for rainfall, heat, wind, and drainage. Avoid both shallow sprinkling and constantly saturated soil.

Protection and support

Young fruit trees may need wire guards or tree shelters where rabbits, deer, or rodents are active. Protect the trunk without trapping moisture against the bark.

Stake only when a plant cannot remain upright on its own or when support is needed for a protective cage. Remove or loosen ties before they constrict the trunk.