Do now
September, October, November, February, March
Plant trees and shrubs
Fall planting (and winter planting in hot climates) beats a July installation. Dig a wide, shallow hole, set the root flare at or slightly above grade, and water deeply. Mulch, never volcano.
Steps
- Find the root flare and remove excess nursery soil on top of it.
- Hole two to three times as wide as the root ball, no deeper.
- Backfill with native soil. Water to settle. Mulch 2–3 inches, gap at the trunk.
- Water weekly until the ground freezes (or through the dry season in hot climates).
Tips
- Balled-and-burlapped: cut the cord and peel burlap off the top third.
- Skip planting in waterlogged clay. Wait or pick a berm.
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