"CARE PACKAGE" Instructions for the Proper Installation, Followup Care and Maintenance of Nursery Stock To help a new plant survive the stress of transplanting and establish itself in new surroundings, it is important that the plant be properly installed. Here are a few planting guidelines. 1. Dig the hole at least 8" to 12" wider and deeper than the size of the root ball or pot. If the existing soil is poor in quality, meaning that it is very compacted and not easily broken up, a soil amendment should be used. Add dairy compost or plant starter to your existing soil and work into a fine soil mix. Topsoil may be used instead of your existing soil if available. 2. Place the soil mix into the bottom of hole and tamp it down lightly to remove air pockets and minimize settling. Set the plant at the same level that it was growing at in the nursery or an inch or so higher. Generally, this is even with the top of the pot or burlap. The pot must be removed before planting. To remove the pot slit it down the side and peel the pot material off. Do not remove the burlap from a balled plant. However, you should cut the twine from around the trunk of the plant on the top of the ball. 3. Backfill the hole about half way with the remaining soil mix and tamp it down firmly. The plant should be adjusted for proper level, spacing and orientation to achieve the best appearance from your line of sight. Fill the balance of hole with water and let stand for 10 minutes. This will settle the soil around the root system and eliminate air pockets. 4. Once the water has been absorbed, fill the balance of hole with soil mix, adjust plant, if necessary, and smooth the soil around plant to leave a saucer-like effect. A fertilizer packet or tablet may be included at the time of planting to provide slow release feeding over an extended period of years. Make sure that none of the lower branches of the plant have been buried accidentally while backfilling the hole. Water the plant again thoroughly. 5. Water the plant every other day the first two weeks and twice each week the following two weeks. A good soaking once a week thereafter should be sufficient to maintain adequate moisture around the root system. However, in hot, dry weather more frequent waterings may be necessary. 6. Plants may be pruned or trimmed lightly to remove damaged branches or to "even off" irregular growth. Thereafter, pruning should be done on a regular basis according to accepted maintenance practices and the seasonal requirements of the plant. Please feel free to contact Stano Landscaping, Inc. at 358-1800 with any of your landscape questions or concerns. Please feel free to contact Stano Landscaping, Inc. at 414-358-1800 with any of your landscape questions or concerns.