Location and Prep

Before planting, it's crucial the site you’ve selected meets your plant's needs. Check the plant’s tag or the plant’s care information for details on its mature size, including height and width, as well as its growth rate. Keep in mind that trees and shrubs grow throughout their lives, although at a slower rate once they reach maturity. Dwarf varieties, for example, grow very slowly. When planting multiple plants, make sure to space them according to their mature width to avoid overcrowding as they grow.

Safety first! Before digging, make sure all underground utilities have been marked in the area where you plan to plant. The planting hole should be about 2-3 times the width of the root ball or container but no deeper than the root ball itself. A wide hole helps give newly establishing roots more room to spread out. This is especially important in heavy clay or poorly draining soils.

Mix the native soil you’ve removed from the hole with organic amendments like compost or soil pep. A good ratio is 1/3 amendment to 2/3 native soil, but you can go up to a 50/50 mix if necessary. Never fill the hole entirely with soil amendments.

Before placing your plant in the hole, check that the hole is the correct depth. Look for the “root flare”—the point where the roots spread from the trunk of the tree or shrub. This should be slightly visible once the plant is in the hole. Most of the roots will develop within the top foot of soil, and planting too deeply can prevent oxygen from reaching the roots, causing growth issues.

Ensure the root ball is thoroughly moist before planting. If the planting hole is dry, fill it with water, let it drain, and then proceed. This will help ensure the root ball remains hydrated and give you a better idea of how well the soil drains.

Planting Specifics for Different Plant Types

Container-Grown Plants: Gently remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. If they’re circling, loosen them by hand or cut them with a sharp knife to prevent them from becoming root-bound.
Balled and Burlapped Plants (B&B): These are field-grown plants with a ball of soil wrapped in burlap. Handle them with care to avoid cracking the root ball. While burlap decomposes over time, it’s best to leave it in place. Remove twine or strapping around the trunk only after placing the plant in the hole. If there’s a wire basket, cut away the top third and peel back the burlap from around the trunk.
Bare Root Plants: Typically available in late winter to early spring, bare root plants are dormant and come without soil. Soak the roots for up to 4 hours before planting to prevent drying out. If you can’t plant right away, keep the roots moist and covered. Bare root plants should be positioned in the hole with the graft union (if applicable) above soil level.

Securing Your Plant: Backfilling, Mulching, and Staking

Begin filling the hole with your amended soil, packing it gently but firmly around the root ball. Avoid damaging the plant’s trunk or roots in the process. Water the soil thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and help settle the soil. Continue filling the hole until it’s level with the top of the root ball, then water again to ensure good moisture levels.

Apply a 1-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of your plant. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce competition from weeds. Keep it 1-2 inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and decay.

Staking is usually unnecessary unless your plant is in a windy area. If staking is required, place the stakes outside the root ball and use flexible material to tie the plant. Don’t stake too tightly around the trunk. Remove the stakes after one growing season.

Protecting Your New Plant: Disease, Pests, and Fertilizing Tips

Taking care of your newly planted tree or shrub involves more than just proper planting techniques. Protecting your plant from diseases, pests, and ensuring it receives the right nutrients is key to long-term health and growth.

Preventing Fungal Diseases and Mildew

Fungal infections can harm your plants, especially when they’re young. Copper soap is an excellent treatment for a variety of fungal diseases, such as mildew, leaf curl, and rust. It’s important to apply fungicides early to prevent these diseases from taking hold.

Dealing with Pests

Managing pests is crucial to protecting the health of your plants. For general pest control, Caterpillar BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) can be an effective option for managing caterpillar infestations, such as those that target fruit trees.

For apples and pears, codling moths are a common issue. Using a combination of Spinosad and codling moth traps with pheromones can help you track generations and reduce the infestation over time.

For cherries, monitoring pests is a bit more challenging. Using Spinosad is still effective, but timing becomes more important. It’s best to apply when cherries are about to blush red, as pests tend to target them at this stage.

Fertilizing Your New Plant

Fertilizing your new trees and shrubs correctly will ensure they grow strong and healthy. When planting a new tree, consider incorporating mycorrhiza fungi into the soil. This beneficial fungus attaches to the roots and helps deliver nutrients more efficiently, supporting faster growth and better overall health.

For a more general fertilizer, Marine Cuisine is a great option. It can be used on nearly any plant type and provides a balanced mix of nutrients.

If you prefer a slower-release option, granular fertilizers are an excellent choice. They last longer in the soil, offering consistent feeding over time, which is especially useful for trees and shrubs that need steady nutrient supply throughout their growth cycle.

By keeping an eye on your plants for signs of disease and pests, and giving them the nutrients they need, you'll ensure they thrive for many seasons to come!