Follow these steps for planting success
1. Dig the hole and prepare the soil.
Dig the hole about 1½ times the diameter of the root ball but slightly (10-20%) shallower than the height of the root ball. Prepare a mix of 30% Black Forest or Bumper Crop soil conditioner to 70% existing soil to be used for backfilling around the root ball. You can ask us for fertilizer recommendation for plants being planted.
2. Planting
Container Grown Plants:
Remove the container and loosen all exposed roots. If the root system is very tight , using a sharp knife or spade, make four ½” deep cuts down the side of the root ball and cut an “X” across the bottom of the root ball and loosen as many roots as possible. Center the plant in the hole and fill with the amended soil mixture, firmly tamping soil around the roots. Plant 10-20% higher than existing soil line.
Balled and burlap plants:
Center the plant in the hole. If the root ball is tied with nylon twine it should be removed, otherwise the twine, burlap and wire basket can remain in place, the burlap and twine will decompose in a few months and the wire will deteriorate over a period of years and will not interfere with the roots. Fill the hole with amended soil mixture, tamping firmly. Do not cover top of root ball with soil. Plant 10-20% higher than existing soil line. Add 2” of mulch.
REMEMBER: TOO DEEP IS DEADLY!
3. Watering
Trees: All trees should receive a slow trickle of water for 1-2 hours once a week. During prolonged periods of heat and drought, when temperatures are 80˚ or above, watering twice a week will be necessary.
Shrubs: Should be watered the same as trees, except 20 minutes at a time. The same applies for dry conditions.
Please keep in mind the instructions above are just a guide. Conditions vary from site to site, and over watering is just as harmful as under watering. If you think your plants are showing signs of stress, then there is a good chance you should change the amount you are watering. Don’t wait until it is too late to call Carousel Gardens with any questions that you have regarding watering and care of your plants.
REMEMBER: LESS FREQUENT, THOROUGH WATERINGS ARE BETTER THAN FREQUENT FAST WATERINGS.
