"They're big. They're heavy. But to plant one in the yard? It would look amazing! It would give us the shade tree we've been wanting. How do you plant a tree with a root ball that looks.... like that? What do you do with the burlap?..."

These might be some of the questions you have initially about planting a B&B tree. Read below for help when planting a tree this size.

How to prepare the planting hole for a B&B tree

Dig the space at least 3 times the width of the root ball. For depth, you should measure the height from the trunk flare (see pic below!) to the bottom of the root ball. This will be the depth of the hole you're digging.

Break up the soil at the bottom of the hole. Do not amend the soil unless planting in heavy clay or poor soil. If amendments are needed, use soil conditioner, mushroom compost, or composted cow manure (ask us at the nursery if you are unsure of what you need/if your soil needs any amending).

• It is vital to keep the root ball well-watered until you are ready to plant the tree. These root balls need a good amount of water and dry out quickly.

• Expose the trunk flare (sometimes there is a piece of cloth/felt covering it- see the photo below).

• Remove the burlap just from the immediate trunk area of the tree.

  DO NOT REMOVE ALL THE BURLAP ON THE ROOT BALL, only at the trunk area of the tree.

  
  

How to plant a B&B tree

Once you have prepared the planting hole, carefully lift the tree into the planting space by the root ball, not the trunk (that root ball is too heavy for you to rely on the trunk to support it while moving!).

Be careful not to plant too deeply! The trunk flare and top of the root ball should be at or slightly above grade.

Balance the tree upright in the center of the hole and make sure it is turned the way you want it to be (i.e. pretty side facing the road, or where you can see a certain side best from your window, etc.).

• For trees in wire baskets, AFTER the tree is in the hole, loosen the wire and burlap and fold down to expose the upper half of the root ball. Do not remove soil from the root ball.

• Prune dead or crushed roots if there are any to be trimmed. Straighten out roots so they go into the ground; we all want deep roots!

• Begin refilling with soil, watering as you fill to firmly set the tree. Gently tamp the loose soil.

• Prune only dead or injured branches.

• Mulch lightly and evenly at 3" deep. Do not fertilize at the time of planting.

Watering

Water every few days when we are not getting adequate rainfall- this is critical to the health of the tree!

You will need to water deeply every few days during the first year it is planted. Allow water to run slowly, soaking the soil, every 3-4 days when we aren't receiving adequate rainfall. You want to water deeply to encourage deep and strong root growth. Be careful not to overwater.

Other helpful advice

• Keep weed eaters and other trimmers with strings away from the tree to avoid wounding the base trunk.

• Never fertilize newly planted or stressed trees. Ask us at the nursery about your specific situation for assistance on when to fertilize your tree.

• Continue to water during dry periods for 2-3 years after planting and whenever severe drought conditions exist.

• Enjoy your new tree!

What questions do you have for us today about B&B trees? We love to hear from you- give us a call at the garden center, and we will be happy to assist you!

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