Planting Instructions for Evergreens and Shrubs
Planting Instructions:
- Dig a hole two times larger than diameter of soil ball and 6 inches deeper.
- Fill extra depth of the hole with the soil mixture and tamp firmly to eliminate settling after the bush is planted.
- Place the plant in the hole with top of root ball 1 inch above ground level. If potted in metal, plastic, or a treated wood container, remove container carefully. If potted in paper mache pot, or untreated basket, cut three holes in the sides – 4-inch diameter and then plant pot and all. If burlapped, fill the hole 1/2 full with soil mix and tamp firmly. Then cut loose the burlap from around the plant trunk and fold down.
- If the plant is wrapped with plastic burlap and twine, remove them entirely. Soak thoroughly several times. After water soaks in, finish covering ball with soil mix.
Caution: If the plant is planted deeper than it was in the nursery, death of the plant may result and we will not be responsible if planting is too deep. - Make a basin around the edge of the hole to retain the water.
- Mulch the basin with 2 inches of bark mulch.
- Fill the basin with water four times, soaking the plant thoroughly.
Care Instructions:
- Apply Esbenshades Transplant Root Stimulator to the base of the plant as recommended monthly through September.
- Water thoroughly once every week to 10 days or as needed during the first growing season. The best way is to place a garden hose at the base of the plant, letting it trickle slowly until soil is saturated.
- Caution: Be careful of over watering when planting in heavy clay soil, planting on a shaded side of a building, or when heavy mulch is used.
Fertilizing Instructions:
- Feed established plants two times yearly; in early spring and again in fall.
- We recommend Espoma Holly-tone for Evergreens & Espoma Plant-Tone fertilizer for flowering shrubs.