Bare Root Planting Instructions:
Choose the Right Location
Select a site with full sunlight and well-drained soil to ensure optimal growth for your tree.
Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the tree’s root spread or branch spread. The hole should be 18-24 inches deep. Fill the hole with water and let it drain completely to ensure moisture is present below the tree.
Create a Mound: In the center of the hole, build a pyramidal mound using a 50/50 mix of soil and compost. This mound will support the tree’s roots and help with drainage.
Planting the Tree: Place the bare root tree on top of the mound, ensuring that the graft (where the tree meets the rootstock) sits slightly above the surrounding soil level. Gently spread the roots out along and down the mound to avoid crowding or bending.
Backfill and Water: Begin filling the hole halfway with your soil-compost mix. Pause to water thoroughly, ensuring the roots and soil are properly settled. Finish filling the hole, tamping down the soil to eliminate air pockets. Water again to ensure the roots are well-moistened.
Mulching: Add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and protect the roots.
Staking (if necessary): If the tree is tall or in a windy area, pound three stakes around the tree. Use padding to protect the trunk and tie the tree to the stakes to help stabilize it during its first year.
Ongoing Care: Water the tree once a week, especially during warm temperatures or dry periods, until the weather warms to spring levels and regular seasonal irrigation begins.
Bare Root Planting Instructions