PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
Your new plants should be installed as soon as possible. If there is a delay, store plants in a shady, wind protected area, and keep root area evenly moist. Handle plants gently and use the container or root ball to move the plant. For best results, it is necessary to place plants in their preferred growing environment and a soil that offers good drainage; therefore, if you are planting in an area with heavy clay soil, you must make modifications before planting.
A good soil mix of 60 to 70% topsoil (Including any existing topsoil) and 30 to 40% organic matter such as peat moss, compost or any quality bagged soil should be used around the roots. Do not backfill the hole with clay or subsoil.
SIZE OF PLANTING HOLE AND DEPTH:
It is vital to dig your planting hole at least 2 times larger than the root ball on all sides before planting, to allow for the backfill of a good soil mix. When planting, the soil at the bottom of the hole should be left solid to prevent the tree from settling lower. The finished level of the plant should always be the same as where it was grown, so that the top of the root ball is flush with final grade or even a half an inch higher - never lower.
BALLED & BURLAPPED & WIRE BASKET:
Some trees, shrubs and evergreens have the root ball wrapped in burlap and secured with string or rope. Large sizes will have the ball contained in a wire basket. Place them in the hole the way they are - with burlap, rope and wire basket left on. Make sure the root ball is at the right level. Fill around the ball with a good soil mix up to three-quarters and water thoroughly. Then - untie or cut all string or rope from the trunk or stems. Fold back burlap and ropes and tuck down out of sight. If there is a wire basket, fold back the top loops and push down or cut them off, but leaving the rest of the wire basket on. Add good soil mix to fill the hole. Water again.
PLASTIC POTS:
Generally, plants in plastic pots are grown in the container and therefore will hold a solid root ball. A light tapping on sides and rim will usually release the plant from the pot. Gently loosen and spread exposed roots that appear crowded (circling) or if roots are very matted use a knife to make 2 or 3 vertical cuts 2.5cm (1”) deep to encourage new roots to grow outward. Plant at the proper level, backfill with good soil mix, and water thoroughly.
BRACING AND STAKING:
Trees over 150 cm (5’) should be staked or braced for the first year to prevent high winds from loosening them. A wooden 2x2 or steel post/“T-Stake” is set in the ground on the side of the prevailing wind near the newly planted tree. A protective wrap or strap is tied around the trunk and attached to the stake with rope or wire. Large trees may require 2-3 guy wires or ropes anchored in the ground with stakes. Provide protection around the tree trunk where wires or rope are attached and check regularly to avoid cutting or strangulation.
GENERAL WATERING
Water plants thoroughly at time of planting. Using a high phosphorus transplant type of fertilizer and bone meal will assist in root development. Check the plants and soil conditions 2 to 3 times a week for moisture. Frequency and amount of water depends on your site conditions (soil and drainage) and the weather. Water only when the soil feels dry to touch 5-10cm (2-4”) into the root zone. Do not over water! Plant roots also need air. Keeping the soil lightly cultivated helps for aeration and weed control.
WATERING PLANTS GROWN PLASTIC POTS:
Plants grown in plastic pots tend to dry out more quickly; therefore, more frequent monitoring and watering may be necessary to avoid plant wilt. It takes several weeks for roots to extend beyond the original soil ball, so be sure to check this area as it often dries out faster than surrounding garden soil. A thorough watering encourages a deep root system and your plant will become more drought tolerant. Continue this form of watering until the plant is well established and growing.
WATERING PLANTS GROWN IN WIRE BASKETS:
Wire basket/Field grown trees will require less water after planting due to the heavy natural soil they are grown in. Trees grown in wire baskets will rarely need water more than once every 7-10 days. If the top 5-10cm (2-4”) of the soil is dry to the touch then you can give the tree a slow 10 minute soaking with a hose or roughly 80L of water. If the weather remains cool or as the seasons change to autumn less water is needed; often a watering 1-2 times per month is enough. Always check 1-2 times a week if water is needed, especially during heat waves.
DRAINAGE IS ESSENTIAL: Divert downspouts, sump pump discharge and excessive water away from planting area.
MULCHING:
To maintain your warranty keep fabric and/or mulch outside the newly excavated area of your plants for the first year. This will ensure that soil conditions can be monitored properly.
Once plants are established for a year, mulch provides good appearance; restricts weed growth and retains moisture.
CONDITIONAL RETAIL WARRANTY
All plants are guaranteed to be true to name and in good condition when sold. They will grow properly provided they are installed correctly; have adequate site conditions, fertilizing and maintained properly. Plants are a living, perishable product and their survival is directly dependent on you and the location they are planted.
Should the plant fail to survive within one year from the date of purchase, Sunstar Nurseries will provide a one-time credit for 50% of the original purchase price towards new product (Excluding any delivery and installation costs).
Cedars, vines and borderline/experimental plants are guaranteed for 90 days and no later than September 30 of the same year of purchase. There are no cash refunds on plant material.
Warranty is Provided Under the Following Conditions:
No Warranty is provided for:
Exchanges will only be considered for potted plants within two days of purchase with the original bill of sale. They must not have been removed from the container or planted. The plant must be in re-saleable condition at our discretion.
REMEMBER: Plants are living organisms and their survival depends largely on the site conditions, planting and care that you provide.
SUNSTAR NURSERIES LTD.
Growing For The Life Of The landscape
www.sunstarnurseries.com
CELEBRATING OVER 35 YEARS OF BUSINESS!
1983-2019
PREPARATION
Your new plants should be installed as soon as possible. If there is a delay, store plants in a shady, wind protected area, and keep root area evenly moist. Handle plants gently and use the container or root ball to move the plant. For best results, it is necessary to place plants in their preferred growing environment and a soil that offers good drainage; therefore, if you are planting in an area with heavy clay soil, you must make modifications before planting.
A good soil mix of 60 to 70% topsoil (Including any existing topsoil) and 30 to 40% organic matter such as peat moss, compost or any quality bagged soil should be used around the roots. Do not backfill the hole with clay or subsoil.
SIZE OF PLANTING HOLE AND DEPTH:
It is vital to dig your planting hole at least 2 times larger than the root ball on all sides before planting, to allow for the backfill of a good soil mix. When planting, the soil at the bottom of the hole should be left solid to prevent the tree from settling lower. The finished level of the plant should always be the same as where it was grown, so that the top of the root ball is flush with final grade or even a half an inch higher - never lower.
BALLED & BURLAPPED & WIRE BASKET:
Some trees, shrubs and evergreens have the root ball wrapped in burlap and secured with string or rope. Large sizes will have the ball contained in a wire basket. Place them in the hole the way they are - with burlap, rope and wire basket left on. Make sure the root ball is at the right level. Fill around the ball with a good soil mix up to three-quarters and water thoroughly. Then - untie or cut all string or rope from the trunk or stems. Fold back burlap and ropes and tuck down out of sight. If there is a wire basket, fold back the top loops and push down or cut them off, but leaving the rest of the wire basket on. Add good soil mix to fill the hole. Water again.
PLASTIC POTS:
Generally, plants in plastic pots are grown in the container and therefore will hold a solid root ball. A light tapping on sides and rim will usually release the plant from the pot. Gently loosen and spread exposed roots that appear crowded (circling) or if roots are very matted use a knife to make 2 or 3 vertical cuts 2.5cm (1”) deep to encourage new roots to grow outward. Plant at the proper level, backfill with good soil mix, and water thoroughly.
BRACING AND STAKING:
Trees over 150 cm (5’) should be staked or braced for the first year to prevent high winds from loosening them. A wooden 2x2 or steel post/“T-Stake” is set in the ground on the side of the prevailing wind near the newly planted tree. A protective wrap or strap is tied around the trunk and attached to the stake with rope or wire. Large trees may require 2-3 guy wires or ropes anchored in the ground with stakes. Provide protection around the tree trunk where wires or rope are attached and check regularly to avoid cutting or strangulation.
GENERAL WATERING
Water plants thoroughly at time of planting. Using a high phosphorus transplant type of fertilizer and bone meal will assist in root development. Check the plants and soil conditions 2 to 3 times a week for moisture. Frequency and amount of water depends on your site conditions (soil and drainage) and the weather. Water only when the soil feels dry to touch 5-10cm (2-4”) into the root zone. Do not over water! Plant roots also need air. Keeping the soil lightly cultivated helps for aeration and weed control.
WATERING PLANTS GROWN PLASTIC POTS:
Plants grown in plastic pots tend to dry out more quickly; therefore, more frequent monitoring and watering may be necessary to avoid plant wilt. It takes several weeks for roots to extend beyond the original soil ball, so be sure to check this area as it often dries out faster than surrounding garden soil. A thorough watering encourages a deep root system and your plant will become more drought tolerant. Continue this form of watering until the plant is well established and growing.
WATERING PLANTS GROWN IN WIRE BASKETS:
Wire basket/Field grown trees will require less water after planting due to the heavy natural soil they are grown in. Trees grown in wire baskets will rarely need water more than once every 7-10 days. If the top 5-10cm (2-4”) of the soil is dry to the touch then you can give the tree a slow 10 minute soaking with a hose or roughly 80L of water. If the weather remains cool or as the seasons change to autumn less water is needed; often a watering 1-2 times per month is enough. Always check 1-2 times a week if water is needed, especially during heat waves.
DRAINAGE IS ESSENTIAL: Divert downspouts, sump pump discharge and excessive water away from planting area.
MULCHING:
To maintain your warranty keep fabric and/or mulch outside the newly excavated area of your plants for the first year. This will ensure that soil conditions can be monitored properly.
Once plants are established for a year, mulch provides good appearance; restricts weed growth and retains moisture.
CONDITIONAL RETAIL WARRANTY
All plants are guaranteed to be true to name and in good condition when sold. They will grow properly provided they are installed correctly; have adequate site conditions, fertilizing and maintained properly. Plants are a living, perishable product and their survival is directly dependent on you and the location they are planted.
Should the plant fail to survive within one year from the date of purchase, Sunstar Nurseries will provide a one-time credit for 50% of the original purchase price towards new product (Excluding any delivery and installation costs).
Cedars, vines and borderline/experimental plants are guaranteed for 90 days and no later than September 30 of the same year of purchase. There are no cash refunds on plant material.
Warranty is Provided Under the Following Conditions:
- All claims must be reported within one year of purchase.
- The original bill of sale must be presented as proof of purchase.
- Plants must have been properly cared for, transported and planted. See planting instructions.
- The dead plant must be returned for warranty. Please notify us in advance for larger trees; often a picture emailed to us will suffice. On occasion a site inspection may be requested.
- NOTE: Since a plant may remain dormant until late spring, we ask that you wait till May 31 to determine its condition before making any returns. Please call us for advice.
No Warranty is provided for:
- Annuals, herbaceous perennials, patio plants or plants left in containers above ground.
- Bare-root stock, seedlings or plugs.
- Plants on sale or discounted purchases
- Plants damaged by improper handling, wind, snow load or late spring frosts.
- When the site conditions do not allow for adequate drainage or final grade is not present.
- When ground coverings such as weed barrier, mulch, shale, gravel and/or bark are used within 90cm of the base of the plant.
- When plants are planted within 1.5 meters of sump pump outflows, drainage swales or downspouts.
- When plants are installed too far above or below your final grade. Or without any proper soil remediation.
- When a plant is planted in artificial turf.
- If a plant has been physically damaged by animals, equipment etc.
Exchanges will only be considered for potted plants within two days of purchase with the original bill of sale. They must not have been removed from the container or planted. The plant must be in re-saleable condition at our discretion.
REMEMBER: Plants are living organisms and their survival depends largely on the site conditions, planting and care that you provide.
SUNSTAR NURSERIES LTD.
Growing For The Life Of The landscape
www.sunstarnurseries.com
CELEBRATING OVER 35 YEARS OF BUSINESS!
1983-2019
