Planting & Watering Guide
Your Guide to Planting Success
Whether you’re planting vibrant perennials, establishing sturdy shrubs, or nurturing the growth of beautiful trees, proper planting and sufficient watering during the first growing season are key to their long-term health and beauty.
How to Plant Balled & Burlapped Trees & Shrubs
- Dig planting hole so top of root ball will be 1″-2″ above surrounding soil when planting is complete. Diameter of planting hole should be at least a foot larger than root ball diameter.
- Set the plant in the hole leaving all burlap and strings intact.
- Amend backfill soil with equal parts existing soil and soil conditioner thoroughly mixed. Stauffers Planting Mix is the recommended soil conditioner.
- Fill hole 2/3 with backfill soil. Press or tap lightly as you backfill so plant is held firmly in place. Now cut away and remove all strings and burlap from top of root ball and stem. Finish filling hole making sure top of root ball is 1-2″ above surrounding soil level.
- Water root ball and surrounding soil thoroughly to settle soil and remove air pockets. Follow Watering Guidelines provided.
- Add nutrients using a water-soluble plant starter or Bio-tone, by pouring mixture directly onto root zone.
- Mulch 2″ deep with bark mulch.
- Stake as shown in diagram if necessary.
How to Plant Potted Trees, Shrubs, & Perennials
- Dig planting hole so top of root ball will be 1”-2” above surrounding soil when planting is complete. Diameter of planting hole should be at least a foot larger than root ball diameter.
- Remove plant from container. Using a knife, score vertically down the root ball 4 or 5 times about 1” deep. Loosen circling, matted roots so they will grow into surrounding soil mix and set plant in hole.
- Amend backfill soil with equal parts existing soil and soil conditioner thoroughly mixed. Stauffers Planting Mix is the recommended soil conditioner.
- Fill hole 2/3 with backfill soil mix, pressing and tapping lightly to hold plant firmly in place. Finish filling hole, making sure top of root ball is 1”-2” above surrounding soil level when planting is complete.
- Water root ball and surrounding soil thoroughly to settle soil and remove air pockets. Follow Watering Guidelines provided.
- Add nutrients using a water-soluble plant starter or Bio-tone, by pouring mixture directly onto root zone.
- Mulch 1”-2” deep with bark mulch.
Watering Guidelines
Insufficient water during the first growing season is the number one cause of plant failure. The limited root system of your new plant will cause it to dry out faster than established plants. Watering amounts and frequency can vary with plant types, planting locations, and weather conditions.
- In general, water more during warm, windy weather and less often when it is cool or rainy.
- Water thoroughly by “deep watering”, (letting a hose run slowly at the base of each plant) allowing it to seep into the soil to a depth of 6″ or more; or use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for larger planting areas. Then, only water when soil is dry to the touch about 2″ or knuckle deep.
- Frequent “surface” watering for shrubs, trees, and perennials is not recommended. It discourages deep rooting and moistens the mulch; not the underlying soil or root zone.
- During periods of drought, check soil moisture and “deep water” frequently.
Plant Finder
Search through our extensive library of trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, annuals and perennials! Create your own plant list and bring it to your favorite Stauffers location. Our team will help you find the plants you’ve selected.