Before you plant…

Ask yourself the following questions before
making your final plant selection:
• Do I have the right plant for the right place?
• How’s my soil and drainage?
• How are my plants going to receive water…on a regular basis?

Drainage Tip: Before planting check to make sure the area you’ve selected drains. Once initial hole is dug, fill with 4" of water. Return 2 hours later. If the water is gone you have good drainage. If not make sure to adjust your irrigation accordingly.

Do you have what you need?

• Tools: Shovel, Rake, Gloves, Digging Bar
• Mulch
• Starter Fertilizer
• Tree Stakes & Tie
• Irrigation Supplies: Drip Parts, Hose

Let’s get planting!

1. Dig a hole 2 times as wide and 1 time as deep as the
plant’s root ball, setting native soil aside.
2. Mix the soil you set aside with planting mix to create your back fill.
You are looking for a ratio of about 1 part planting mix to 2
parts native soil.
3. Add starter fertilizer to your back fill mix at the rate indicated
on the bag or box.
4. Place the root ball in the hole. Making sure the top of the
root ball is sitting 1" above the soil level (to allow for settling).
5. Back fill the hole with your soil mixture and pack firmly
to remove any air pockets.
6. Using any left over soil create a basin around the plant
to retain water. Make sure your basin is at least 1 foot away
from the trunk on all sides.
7. Add 2" of mulch around the base of the plant keeping it 1-2"
away from the trunk.
8. Stake trees, large shrubs and other plants that could
be damaged by the wind.
9. Water thoroughly filling basin.