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SUNSTAR NURSERIES LTD. 810 -167 Avenue N.E Edmonton, Alberta T5Y 6K9 Phone: 780-472-6103 Fax: 780-472-9218 Email: [email protected] |
Please Read and Follow These PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
• PREPARATION:
• SIZE OF PLANTING HOLE AND DEPTH: It is vital to dig your planting hole at least 15 cm (6”) larger than the root ball on all sides before planting, to allow for the backfill of a good soil mix. When planting large heavy balls, 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 - not 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. • FIBER (PULP PAPER) POTS: Do not remove the pot (unless the plant has been grown in the pot long enough that the root ball will hold together when removed). These pots are made of paper and are biodegradable in the soil. Break off the pot rim down to soil level. You may cut or punch some holes in the bottom of the pot but it is not necessary to remove. Make three cuts up the sides from the bottom, place the plant in the hole and then carefully remove or flare the sides of the pot away from the root ball. Do not disturb the root ball. Make sure plant is at proper level, fill in around the roots with a good soil mix. and water thoroughly. • PLASTIC POTS: Generally, plants in plastic pots are grown in the container and therefore will hold a solid root ball. Water before removing the container. 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 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 wooden stake or steel post 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 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. • MULCHING: Do not apply fabric or mulch around your plants for the first year so that soil conditions can be monitored properly. Once plants are established, mulch provides good appearance, retards weed growth and retains moisture. It also keeps the roots stay cool in summer and insulated in winter, and maintenance is easier. DO NOT apply any pesticides to your newly planted trees and shrubs, unless absolutely necessary. REMEMBER: Plants are living organisms and their survival depends largely on the site conditions, planting and care that you provide. |
Growing for the life of the Landscape
