Planting Guide

Receiving Trees

Plant ASAP upon arrival.

If delayed: soak roots for 1 hour, rewrap in moist sawdust, and store in a cool and shaded area like a garage or root cellar for up to 2 days max. Before planting, rinse off sawdust and soak roots (up to 8 hrs) while preparing to plant. Never expose the roots to sun, wind, or freezing temperatures.

Find the Perfect Spot

Unsure what it needs to thrive? Check out the growing description on our website. Well-drained soil is ideal—test by digging a hole and filling it with water. If water remains after 2 hours, the area has poor drainage - check out Planting Instructions for Clay Soil on the back of this sheet if this is your only option for planting.

Planting Preparation

Keep roots moist and covered until planted.
Dig a wide hole and remove the grass.
Fracture walls of the planting hole for easier root penetration.
Spread roots outward; do not curl them in.
Backfill and press soil firmly.
Top-dress with compost and mulch, but keep mulch a few inches away from the tree trunk.
Don’t add manure or fertilizer in the hole—this can burn roots.

Clay Soil or Poor Drainage

Remove grass and other plants in the area where you will plant your tree. Break up the soil with a garden fork in a 3-ft span to improve drainage.

Bring in nice well draining top soil and create a raised mound that’s at least 1.5 ft high, 3+ ft wide. Plant your tree into the mound.

Top with compost and mulch well (not right up against trunk)

Watering

Water deeply, not frequently.
About 2 full watering cans/week per tree during it’s first year of growth
Adjust based on soil type, rainfall, and species.
Drip irrigation is ideal for larger plantings.

Protecting your Trees

Use a 6 ft wire cage around each tree if you have deer or rabbits present; secure with stakes.
Install white spiral guards in the fall to prevent:
- Vole damage
- Winter sunscald (Southwest injury)
Remove white spiral guards during the growing season.
Alternatively, paint trunks white with latex paint or pile snow around base for winter protection.

Aftercare

Year 1 is a vital root establishment phase for your trees and plants—keep the area around the tree weed free. This is very important and trees can suffer greatly if they’re competing with grass for resources. Mulch will aid in this.
Each spring: apply compost/manure and wood chip mulch.
Water well during droughts.
If the fruit tree is grafted, remove shoots or suckers below the graft union for the first few years.

About Young Trees

The first year your trees/plants are in the ground is when they are setting down roots and getting established. Keeping the base of the tree weed free is very important and helps limit competition as the tree/plant establishes. Every spring it is recommended that you apply a fresh layer of compost/manure and mulch with wood chips or leaves until they are many years into establishment. Keeping the trees well-watered, specifically in times of drought, is important. As they grow older, they become more resilient to environmental stressors.