Planting trees with bare, exposed roots can be somewhat tricky business.
As you prepare for spring gardening, browse through these tips to ensure all of your plants and trees survive this coming season.
When to Plant
Plant during the dormant season. (Fall or early Spring)
Transporting a Bare-Root Tree
Bare-root trees lose large amounts of moisture through their roots and leaves if they are not protected from heat and wind.
Place your sapling roots into a container with some water, or gently wrap the tree roots in dampened paper towels during transport. When you get home, continue to soak the roots in water for about 3 to 6 hours.
NURSERY
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Planting Your Bare-Root Tree
Turn the soil before planting. Dig a hole wider and deeper than you need so that the roots can grow without crowding.
Don’t add soil amendments such as peat, bark, fertilizer, potting soil or chemicals to the soil surrounding the sapling. These nutrient-rich products may kill your young tree.
As you shovel in the remaining native soil, it should be firm but not tightly packed. Give the tree plenty of water.
After the water has soaked in, spread a two-inch layer of mulch around the tree base, without letting it touch the trunk. The soil around the trees should be kept moist but not soggy.
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