If you have purchased a new tree or shrub to plant in your yard this Spring, it will likely come in a container or balled and burlapped (B&B). You should plant your tree or shrub as soon as you get home or it may become dried out or injured. If you can’t plant it immediately, place in a sheltered, shady outdoor place and keep the soil moist.

Always plant in well-drained soil. When planting, dig a hole 1.5 times the width of the root ball and the same depth. The top of the root ball should be level or slightly above the planting surface. Most soils in our area are clay based and will benefit if mixed with organic material such as Bumper Crop. Position your tree/shrub at the proper depth and desired direction. If you are planting a balled and burlapped tree, do not remove any rope or the metal cage until the tree is in its proper position. Backfill the hole slightly and then remove any roping from the top half of the plant. Do not remove the burlap from under the plan – this could damage the root ball. For plants in containers, remove them from their pot, loosen the root ball and follow the same depth instructions above. Score roots with a knife if necessary. Fill the remainder of the hole with soil until it’s level with the existing ground. Mix existing soil with a starter/fertilizer such as Bio-Tone.

WATER YOUR NEW PLANT! Most plant deaths occur as a result of improper watering. Roots of a newly planted tree or shrub dry out faster than the soil that surrounds them. Your new tree or shrub will need to be watered every two days depending on the weather conditions. For instance, if you are planting a 3-gallon potted shrub in clay soil, you should trickle water over the plant for approximately 30-40 minutes. Mulch your new plant to prevent moisture loss. Apply mulch at a depth of no more than 3 inches and avoid mulching close to a tree’s base.

The Farm at Green Village carries all of your gardening needs including Bumper crop, mulch, and potted or balled and burlapped trees or shrubs. Come check out our new stock of perennials and nursery plants for your yard this year. All of our trees and shrubs come with a one year guarantee and we stand behind our quality and service.