How to plant a Ball and Burlap Tree or Shrub

The first step to planting any plant is to dig the hole. When doing this, be sure to dig the hole at least a few inches larger than the root ball itself. Be sure to dig your hole the correct depth. If you dig the hole too deep, you risk the tree settling deeper than it should. After you set you plant in the hole, you want to be sure to remove all materials from the top 1/3 of the root ball. This includes wire, rope and burlap. Be sure that there is NO ROPE tied around the trunk of the tree.  Backfill with soil and compost. The top of the root ball should be slightly above or level with the surface of the ground. Once you have your tree planted, add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree and add a starter plant fertilizer.