Bare Root Planting Guide
It is best to plant bare-root plants immediately, in order to keep the roots from drying out.
If you can’t plant right away, store the plants in a cool shaded place and keep the roots moist.
1. Unpack plants and soak in water 3 to 6 hours. Do not plant with packing materials attached to roots, and do not allow roots to dry out.
2. Dig a hole, wider than seems necessary, so the roots can spread without crowding. Remove any grass within a three-foot circular area. To aid root growth, turn soil in an area up to 3 feet in diameter.
3. Plant at the same depth it stood in the nursery, without crowding the roots. Partially fill the hole, firming the soil around the lower roots.
4. Shovel in the remaining soil. It should be firmly, but not tightly packed with your heel. Construct a water-holding basin around the tree. Give the plant plenty of water.
5. After the water has soaked in, place a 2-inch deep protective mulch area 3 feet in diameter around the base of the plant (but not touching the trunk). Water the tree generously every week or 10 days during the first year.
6. Water the tree generously every week or 10 days during the first year.
7. Most bare-root trees should be staked for the first season especially in windy areas.
8. Wrap or white wash the trunks of dark barked trees to avoid sun scald.
9. A mild application of fertilizer is advisable for the first few seasons.
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