It is best to plant bare-root trees immediately, in order to keep the fragile roots from drying out. If you can't plant because of weather or soil conditions, store the trees in a cool place and keep the roots moist.
Unpack tree and soak in water three to six hours. Do not plant with packing materials attached to roots, and do not allow roots to dry out.
Dig a wide hole, 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 three feet in diameter.
Plant the tree at the same depth it stood in the nursery, without crowding the roots. Partially fill the hole, firming the soil around the roots. Do not add soil amendments.
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 tree plenty of water.
After the water has soaked in, place a two-inch deep protective mulch area three feet in diameter around the base of the tree.
Water the tree generously every week or ten days during the first year.
Unpack tree and soak in water three to six hours. Do not plant with packing materials attached to roots, and do not allow roots to dry out.
Dig a wide hole, 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 three feet in diameter.
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 tree plenty of water.
After the water has soaked in, place a two-inch deep protective mulch area three feet in diameter around the base of the tree.
Water the tree generously every week or ten days during the first year.