Backfilling and Removing Burlap
This Is Where Planting Instructions For B&B & Pot Grown Trees Differ
*Please Follow Instructions Carefully
Pot Grown
Gently Remove Your Plant From The Pot
Lay your plant down on its side gently, supporting it so the branches don't break.
If the pot doesn't slide off easily slightly press down on all four sides of the pot while gently rolling it back and forth. Never pull it by the step or step on the pot to get the pot loose. This could cause damage to the root ball. Remember to be very gentle.
Begin to backfill the hole 1/2 way
Use the amended soil that you mixed in the wheelbarrow. Pause when you get half way.
Follow directions on Root Rescue Package
Water in 1/2 of the recommended amount. This will aid in packing down the soil and reducing any air pockets in the soil around the roots. Once the water is absorbed continue to back fill. Pack soil tightly. You can use your heel to help but avoid stepping on any part of the roots, you could severely damage them.
Ball & Burlap
*DO NOT REMOVE ANY PORTION OF THE BURLAP OR TWINE BEFORE IT IS BACK FILLED 1/4 OF THE WAY.
The burlap and twine keeps the soil in tack around the roots until the last possible moment
Place root ball in hole and ensure it is standing straight. Always move by lifting the rootball gently.
Begin to backfill the hole 1/2 of the way.
Use the amended soil that you mixed in the wheelbarrow. Pack it in tightly to ensure it remains straight and stable during the next step.
Remove all of the twine from around the top 1/2 of the rootball.
Be diligent in removing all of the strings, especially ones hidden around the trunk. One tight string of twine left behind will cause damage in the future. As the trunk grows it will become strangled and this prevents nutrient and water absorption, eventually killing the tree.
This type of damage can be avoided by following our instructions and therefore would void warranty if done improperly.
Use your scissors to remove the burlap from only the top 1/2 of the root ball. It is very important to remove all burlap from around the trunk and the top portion of the root ball however, also removing it from below the rootball can cause unnecessary harm. The remaining portion on the bottom will bio-degrade over time.
Once burlap and twine is removed follow directions on Root Rescue Package and water in 1/2 of the recommended amount. This will aid in packing down the soil and reducing any air pockets in the soil around the roots. Once the water is absorbed continue to back fill. Pack soil tightly. You can use your heel to help pack it in but ALWAYS remember to be careful, you could damage the roots severely by stepping directly on the rootball.
The trunk of your tree or shrub must NEVER be buried deeper than the original rootball soil level.
Our warranty does not cover rot due to improper planting depth. If you are concerned that your rootball may settle, burying it deeper over time, keep the root ball 1-2" above the soil level to allow some settling to occur.