Use and Care Guide

About is Plant
Feature trees are a focal point in the landscape. ese trees are best placed in a prominent area so a special
form or unique characteristic can be admired. Great feature characteristics include interesting bark and
weeping branches. A feature tree can be large or small but needs to t comfortably in its environment. For
instance, use a smaller feature tree next to an entryway and a larger one in more open areas. Evergreen
feature trees maintain their leaves year round while deciduous varieties loose their leaves in the fall and re-
leaf in the spring. Smaller feature trees can also be used in containers to enhance outdoor patios or balconies.
How to Plant
• Dig a hole 2 times the width of the root ball and a depth slightly less than the height of the root ball. Allow
the top surface of the root ball to rest 1/2 inch higher than the soil line.
• Amend native soil dug from hole by mixing with organic soil conditioner according to directions.
• For container grown plants, carefully remove plant by squeezing container and slowly removing the root
ball. Never pull on the plant trunk. Instead let the root ball slide out by tipping the container. If the plant is
heavily rooted, loosen roots by gently pulling a few away from the root ball. is encourages stronger root
growth. Set root ball in hole making sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher (1/2 inch) than ground
level. Place soil mix under root ball if too low. Backll soil mix around plant to ground level and tamp lightly
removing all air pockets.
• For balled and burlaped plants (B&B), do not remove any materials surrounding the root ball yet. is
includes any string, wiring, nails, cages or burlap. Set root ball in hole making sure the top of the root ball
is slightly higher (1/2 inch) than ground level. Place soil mix under root ball if too low. Remove any ties
around the root ball. Backll soil mix around plant to ground level and tamp lightly removing all air pockets.
Cut the burlap away from the trunk and be sure all edges are buried well below the soil surface. is helps
prevent the root ball from drying out.
• For bare root plants, trim any broken, twisted or discolored tips. Determine the original soil line by the
change in color on the plant trunk. Set the plant in the hole so the soil line is above the surrounding soil.
Space the roots evenly. Backll soil mix around and between the roots and tamp lightly removing all air.
• Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the plant. Add more soil mix around plant if necessary aer
watering. Apply a root stimulator to encourage new root growth and fast establishment.
• Build a soil ring around the plant, 6" beyond the edge of the hole, to use as a water reservoir to assist in
watering until established.
• Add a 2-3" layer of mulch around plant to conserve soil moisture and eliminate future weeds.
• For trees, it may be necessary to secure the trunk by using three stakes placed at equal distances around the
tree.
How to Water
• New plants require more frequent watering than established plants. Aer planting check for water regularly
until fully rooted and established.