Planting Instructions and Tips to Tree Growers

Reasons for plant failure

There are many things that can cause a planting to fail.  It can be one major thing done wrong or it can be a combination of several minor things.             

Some people think it is a good idea to fully hydrate their trees before planting by soaking them in a bucket of water for several hours.  This will often prove to be fatal to most varieties.  The feeder roots become so saturated with water that they often rupture or are so softened that they are easily damaged in the planting process.   This leaves the tree with little or no ability to uptake vital nutrients from the soil.  Only a few varieties that are native to areas prone to flooding can handle this rough treatment.      

Poor care after receiving stock can cause failure.  Packages should not be stacked in large piles or left lie in the sun where they can heat-up.  Packages need to be checked upon arrival to make sure roots are moist.  If not, then a little water should be added to the roots and the excess drained off.   Wetting the foliage can cause it to rot.

Taking too long to plant the trees after they are received increases the likelihood of failure.  They should be planted with a week for optimal results.