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PLANTING DEPTH
It has been demonstrated that planting too deep is a major cause of tree decline and
mortality in landscapes.
A few simple steps may be taken to help assure the planting depth is
correct.
First, locate the point at which the trunk flare joins the rootball.
It may be necessary to remove the twine and burlap at the base of the trunk to
accomplish this. The proper depth of the planting hole is determined by measuring
the distance from the bottom of the rootball to the point at which the trunk flare
begins. The hole should then be dug so that when the planting is complete, the
flare junction will be slightly above the existing soil grade. Finally, dig the
hole to the determined depth and to a width two to three times the diameter of the
rootball. The sides of the planting hole should slope gently upward to the
existing soil grade.
BACKFILL
Current research appears to indicate that the addition of excessive amounts of soil
amendments to the backfill mix may be detrimental to the long-term establishment of the
plant material in that it can discourage root growth from within the backfill mix into
existing soil areas.
However, North Hill Nursery continues to support the addition of
reasonable amounts of amendment to aid in initial root growth and establishment of newly
planted material. With most soils, we recommend a backfill mixture consisting of
two parts existing soil to one part amendment mix (two parts peat moss or peat humus to
one part cow manure).
As an alternative, a commercially prepared planting mix containing
peat moss, cow manure and topsoil may be added to the existing soil at a ratio of one
part mix to two parts soil. If the existing soil is of a poor quality (excessively
sandy, gravely, etc.), we recommend a backfill mix of one part soil to one part
amendment mix or one part soil to one part prepared planting mix.
PLANTING
Place the tree in the hole, disturbing the rootball as little as possible.
If necessary, straighten or stabilize the tree by adjusting or
filling beneath the rootball with the backfill mix. Cut away any twine or
burlap remaining around the base of the trunk and remove or roll back the burlap that is
on top of the rootball. If, when locating the trunk flare, it was determined that
there was an excess of soil on top of the rootball, it should be removed at this
time. If a wire basket is present, remove as much as possible once the tree is in
place, utilizing bolt cutters. Do not attempt to yank the entire basket from the
rootball as as serious damage to the root system may result. Backfill to
approximately one half the depth of the planting hole, flood with water, and allow to
drain. Complete the backfilling and construct a saucer near the outer edge of the
planting hole, making certain the trunk flare is completely exposed and the top of the
rootball has not been covered with additional soil. Flood the saucer with water.
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