PLANT TIPS
Planting
Pruning
Watering

MISC.
USDA Zone Chart

OFF SITE LINKS
Plant Search

Soil conditions vary drastically from site to site, our advice is to amend the soil or bring topsoil in to use for the bedding material. Soil amendments for heavy soil include sandy-loam topsoil, compost, and organic materials. Sandier dirt may be amended with leaf compost or peat moss, which helps with its water holding capacity. After you have established a nice raised bedding area with topsoil you are ready to install your plants according to the planting design. Dig the planting hole twice the diameter of the plants root ball as this will allow the roots to spread easier. The depth of the planting hole should be such that the uppermost roots are even or slightly above the surrounding soil. If a plant is planted too deep this can cause the roots to suffocate and then die. After the hole is dug, carefully place the plant into the hole taking care not to harm any delicate branches or damage the root ball. If the plants root ball is wrapped with synthetic burlap (usually white in color and may look like shiny nylon, this will not rot out and can strangle the roots) you need to remove the burlap entirely. If the root ball is wrapped in true burlap (usually dull brown in color and will decompose in the ground), there is no need for removal. If you are unsure whether you have regular or synthetic burlap, remove the burlap carefully to be safe. After you have placed the plant in its hole, you need to face and straighten the plant. Rotate the plant to expose the most desirable side, observe, and straighten from all sides. Assuming the depth and width of the hole are correct, you are ready to backfill the plant. Fill in around the root ball by spreading the dirt evenly being sure not to shift the plant. Backfill the hole halfway and pack the dirt using either your hand or foot all the way around the ball. Continue to fill in the hole until the soil is level with the surrounding area. One final pack and the plant is installed. Finally, apply a layer of organic mulch 2-3" in depth. Now to the watering.