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Gardening

Major Nikon

(36,922 posts)

3. Here's how I have been doing it for decades

Reply to hedgehog (Original post)

Mon Mar 28, 2016, 08:14 PM

Mar 2016

Dig a hole 3 times the diameter of the root ball and 2/3rds as deep as the root ball is in height. Place the root ball in the center of the hole and pack the removed soil around it so that the tree or shrub remains upright. The top of the root ball should be exposed by 1/3rd. Cover the hole with about 3" of mulch.

Water frequently until the roots are well established. This may take weeks or months depending on how big the root ball is. Resist the urge to stake unless you have problems with it leaning, and even then just stake it long enough so the tree or shrub remains upright.

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Planting a shrub or tree..... [View all] hedgehog Mar 2016 OP

disturb soil levels, loose soil is a good thing. hollysmom Mar 2016 #1

As big as possible Sanity Claws Mar 2016 #2

Here's how I have been doing it for decades Major Nikon Mar 2016 #3

While usually I like digging a big hole for planting in clay it can be different csziggy Mar 2016 #4

We have heavy clay also - you can't dig when it's hedgehog Mar 2016 #5

True - and you can't dig when it's dry - you'll break your shovel! csziggy Mar 2016 #6

The hole should be twice the width and the same depth as the root ball Botany Mar 2016 #7