When your trees arrive, unpack them and cross check them with your order. Remove them from their packaging and moisten the roots by misting lightly with water. Don’t soak roots in a bucket – this can damage them by removing fine soil and, in some species, the microorganisms needed to make them thrive and germinate.
Dig a hole the same depth and width as the root ball in ideal soil for that species, and water the bottom of the hole. Insert the tree in the hole. Planting depth is important. The tree should be planted no deeper than the bark line on the trunk to avoid bark rot that can kill the tree. Fill the hole with loose soil and gently compact it so the roots contact the soil but are not compressed. Form a small hill and funnel around the tree to collect rainwater and direct it to the trunk.
New trees should be watered twice a week for the first growing season. Soak the ground but don’t saturate it. This weekly watering will help assure that the new tree develops a good root system.
Planting Eastern Hemlock? This species is vulnerable to attack by the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), or Adelges Tsugae. As shown on this USDA site, this parasite can stunt growth and even kill trees. Check your trees regularly for egg casings and damage to the foliage. EcoScientific Solutions of Scranton, PA offer a variety of treatment options including the Sasajiscymnus tsugae (St) beetle, a natural predator that can be used on trees with active infestations. Check the Forest Management segment of their web site for more information.