When planting trees and shrubs, use the following quick and easy steps as a guideline:

1. PREPARE THE SOIL
Tilling the soil is best, but if this is not possible, break up and turn your soil with a garden spade to a depth of eight to ten inches. Mix organic matter such as Pike's Earth Helper Soil Conditioner or mushroom compost into heavily compacted soils. This will add substance and oxygen to the soil and benefit the plant's root system.

2. DIG A LARGE HOLE
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot or root ball of the plant. The hole should be the same depth as the pot or root ball of the plant, no deeper. The added width will give the roots plenty of room to grow.

3. BREAK THE ROOT BALL APART
If you have a plant that was grown in a container, pull the roots apart so that they will not continue to grow around in a circular formation like they did in the pot. Don't be afraid! Pull the roots outward so they will grow as nature intended. The roots of plants that are "balled in burlap" do not need to be broken apart. Simply cut and remove the twine that is tied around the trunk and root ball. Do not remove the burlap. When planting, pull back the top one-third of burlap from around the root ball. The burlap will eventually decompose in the soil. Plants that are packaged in plastic must be removed from the plastic before planting.

4. PLANT THE SHRUB OR TREE
Partially fill in the hole with the soil mixture prepared with Pike's Earth Helper Soil Conditioner or mushroom compost. Add enough soil in the bottom of the hole so when the plant is placed in the hole, it will be growing at the same level in the soil that it was planted in the container. Some plants, such as azaleas and rhododendrons benefit from being planted a little higher than container level. Pack the soil firmly into the bottom of the hole so the plant will not sink. Never plant a shrub or tree deeper than it was originally grown, or it will choke. Place the plant in the hole at the correct depth. Use the remaining soil to fill in the hole. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and add more soil if necessary.

5. USE A ROOT STIMULATOR
Water the newly planted shrub or tree with a diluted solution of root stimulator according to package directions. This will help to develop a strong, vigorous root system and help to prevent transplant shock.

6. MULCH THE PLANT
Uniformly apply a three to four inch layer of pine straw, pine bark or cypress mulch to the planting area. This helps to keep the soil cool in the summer and insulates the soil during the winter months. It also helps to conserve water and control weeds.

7. WATER, WATER, WATER!
Regular watering for new plantings is critical during the first six to eight weeks. The amount of water and how frequently you water depends on the soil type and on the temperature at the time of planting. In the summer, plants may need to be watered as often as every other day until they become established.