How to plant a tree or evergreen

August 10, 2022

Trees are an environmentally friendly addition to your property and essential to our lives. They improve our air quality, provide shade and privacy, define our neighbourhoods, and add value and character to our homes.

When buying nursery stock it is important that you plant it as soon as possible. If you can’t plant right away, keep your plant in the shade and water it well until you are ready to transplant.

Here are some helpful steps for planting:

HOW TO PLANT A TREE OR EVERGREEN

STEP ONE – DIG THE HOLE

Dig a hole that is 2 times wider than the root ball of your plant and about 8” deeper than the plant’s container. Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole to allow the roots to penetrate.

STEP TWO – PARTIALLY FILL THE HOLE WITH PLANTING MIX

Fill the bottom of the hole with 8” of Parkwood 3 in 1 planting mix. Make sure the soil is packed down so the root mass will not sink below ground when watered.

STEP THREE – PLACE THE PLANT IN THE HOLE

If your plant is in a container, gently loosen the root ball from the pot and place it in the hole.

NOTE: If the root ball is wrapped in burlap, cut the strings at the top of the ball and remove them. Pull the burlap away from the stem and cover it with soil. The burlap can be left on as it is biodegradable and will allow the roots to push through. The plant should be level with the ground.

STEP FOUR – TOP UP WITH SOIL AND TRANSPLANTER MIX

Fill around the sides of the plant with planting mix until about 2/3 full. Water with a solution of Parkwood Transplanter as per instructions. Allow to settle and then continue to fill the hole with firmly packed soil until level with the ground to avoid air pockets.

STEP FIVE – SECURE THE TREE WITH STAKE KIT

Secure the trunk with the Parkwood Tree Staking kit ensuring ties are not too tightly fastened around the bark.

STEP SIX – ADD LAYER OF MULCH

Add a layer of mulch around the tree’s base, leaving 3 to 5 inches from the trunk to retain moisture and deter weeds.

ALWAYS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE WHEN PLANTING LARGE TREES

Do your research to determine how large your tree or evergreen will be at maturity. Make sure the spot you choose will give your plant plenty of room for root and above ground growth.

Have questions? We know a thing or two about planting trees! We have been locally growing quality nursery stock in Southern Ontario since 1913. The Sheridan Nursery experts are always happy to help with all your gardening needs.

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