Planting Instructions
To plant your special find, follow these simple instructions and your investment will thrive for many years to come. Of course, we offer planting services if you would prefer. Drop by today and let our Garden experts help with the final details in your gardening adventure.
1. Soil preparation >
• Strip the sod, and dig the hole twice the
diameter of root ball
• Remove and pile the good soil on a tarp beside the hole for use later
• Remove subsoil, rocks and debris to wheelbarrow for easy clean up
• Remove and pile the good soil on a tarp beside the hole for use later
• Remove subsoil, rocks and debris to wheelbarrow for easy clean up
2. Planting >
Plant the root ball at the same depth it was grown
to ensure the plant does not suffocate (in the case
of heavy soils, plant up to 4"/10cm higher than
indicated.) The graft of a Rose should be planted
2" below ground for better winter protection.
Remove tags and ribbons and complete any necessary pruning.
Place the root ball in the hole and adjust the plant for straight.
Do not remove the burlap or basket as removal may cause more damage. Once backfilling is almost complete, untie and remove the strings from around the trunk, fold back the burlap, and wire loops.
When planting a container grown wire basket, remove the plastic on the bottom of the ball before putting in the hole, untie and remove the ropes from the top of the basket, fold back the wire loops and remove the plastic from the top of the ball and sides.
Remove the rim down to soil level. Remove the bottom and slash the sides, leaving the sides of the pot to hold the soil ball together. If the plant has just been placed in the pot (i.e. early spring), leave the bottom on and cut slashes in the bottom and sides for drainage and root growth
Remove the pot. If tapping the sides and bottom does not release the soil, cut the pot off gently pull away the halves. If the roots are matted, make several vertical cuts 1" deep through the mass to encourage new root production.
Remove tags and ribbons and complete any necessary pruning.
Place the root ball in the hole and adjust the plant for straight.
Ball and Burlap, Wire basket or CT
Do not remove the burlap or basket as removal may cause more damage. Once backfilling is almost complete, untie and remove the strings from around the trunk, fold back the burlap, and wire loops.
When planting a container grown wire basket, remove the plastic on the bottom of the ball before putting in the hole, untie and remove the ropes from the top of the basket, fold back the wire loops and remove the plastic from the top of the ball and sides.
Fibre pots
Remove the rim down to soil level. Remove the bottom and slash the sides, leaving the sides of the pot to hold the soil ball together. If the plant has just been placed in the pot (i.e. early spring), leave the bottom on and cut slashes in the bottom and sides for drainage and root growth
Plastic pots
Remove the pot. If tapping the sides and bottom does not release the soil, cut the pot off gently pull away the halves. If the roots are matted, make several vertical cuts 1" deep through the mass to encourage new root production.
3. Planting and Finishing >
Backfill around the root ball to ¾ full, with a mix
of virgin soil, triple mix and bone meal. Set aside
1-2 bags of soil for use later.
Tamp around the root ball with your heel to remove air pockets. If your foot is hitting the root ball, the hole is too small.
Fill to the top of the hole with water and while the water is permeating, use a fan rake to clean the area around the hole.
Backfill the remaining hole with the soil and fertilizer mixture
Top up the planting area with the soil put aside earlier. Using your hand, create a well around the plant and gently fill with water. Use CIL's Plant Starter according to package directions.
Stake the plant if necessary - the stake should stay on no longer than 12 months or the roots will not develop properly.
Locate the stake on the west side of the plant (if using one) or in equal distances around the plant (when using two or three). Stakes must be placed outside the root ball and be firmly in the ground.
All wires in contact with the trunk must be wrapped in garden hose. If using more than one stake, cross the wire and hose through one another on a straight trunk or above a branch crotch on conifers, low branching or multi-stemmed specimens.
Cut a notch in the wooden stake so the wire cannot slide down the stake. The tree cannot be rigidly attached to the stake - it must have a little play so the root systems will develop properly.
Top-dress with a layer of mulch 1½" - 2" deep, to reduce weed growth and increase water retention.
Tamp around the root ball with your heel to remove air pockets. If your foot is hitting the root ball, the hole is too small.
Fill to the top of the hole with water and while the water is permeating, use a fan rake to clean the area around the hole.
Backfill the remaining hole with the soil and fertilizer mixture
Top up the planting area with the soil put aside earlier. Using your hand, create a well around the plant and gently fill with water. Use CIL's Plant Starter according to package directions.
Staking and Mulching
Stake the plant if necessary - the stake should stay on no longer than 12 months or the roots will not develop properly.
Locate the stake on the west side of the plant (if using one) or in equal distances around the plant (when using two or three). Stakes must be placed outside the root ball and be firmly in the ground.
All wires in contact with the trunk must be wrapped in garden hose. If using more than one stake, cross the wire and hose through one another on a straight trunk or above a branch crotch on conifers, low branching or multi-stemmed specimens.
Cut a notch in the wooden stake so the wire cannot slide down the stake. The tree cannot be rigidly attached to the stake - it must have a little play so the root systems will develop properly.
Top-dress with a layer of mulch 1½" - 2" deep, to reduce weed growth and increase water retention.
