Step 1} Dig a hole about 1 foot wider and about as deep as the plant's rootball. Roots should be visible at the surface of the soil and the top of the rootball should be even with the surrounding soil. In Clay Soil, the rootball should be slightly higher.

Step 2} Remove Plants from their containers. Break apart the roots by making four (4) or five (5) one inch deep, verticalslashed down the rootball with a knife. Do not cut any part of the roots off! Then knock some soil from the rootball so they are forced to live off the surrounding soil. Be sure not to knock off too much soil.

Step 3} For Balled & Burlapped trees and shrubs, place the rootball in the hole. Backfill to almost full and remove any twine and burlap on top of the rootball.

Step 4} Backfill with a mix of existing soil and half (1/2) soil amendment (thoroughly mixed). In sandy soil, sphagnum (Canadian) peat moss. In dene clay or poorly drained soils, use soil conditioner (finely ground pine bark).

Step 5} To give your plant a head start, use a very mild solution of 'water soluble root-stimulating fertilizer'.