POTTED PLANTS 

Dig the hole approximately 50 percent wider and slightly deeper than the pot. 

***IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE EARTH
 BALL INTACT AND TO NOT EXPOSE THE ROOTS***

Gently remove the plant from the container.  If the container is plastic, hold the potted plant upside down and tap on the bottom of the pot and the pot should slip off.  If the container is paper, slit the container down each side and peel the pot off.  Set the plant in the hole with enough soil underneath to bring the top of the earth ball even with the ground level.  Hold the plant erect and fill in around it with improved soil.

WATERING

Roots of newly planted sock must not dry completely for extended periods of time, especially during the first growing season. Such stress may kill them.  Water each plant thoroughly right after planting to settle the soil around the roots, then check soil near the base of the plant to a depth of six inches.  Water when the soil feels dry.  The frequency and amount of water depends on the character of your soil.  Water about once each week to ten days from April to September in clay or other heavy soils.  Twice a week watering is recommended in sandy or lighter soils.  Do not water so often that the soil does not drain and remains soggy.  Too frequent, shallow watering will

hamper root development.  Allow the garden hose to run at a slow trickle for one-half to one hour on each plant, depending on size and soil type.  Give one final deep watering to all evergreens before the ground freezes in the winter.  Do not rely on sprinklers until your planting is well established.

SPRAYING

Examine your plants at regular intervals to determine whether or not an insect or disease problem is present.  Treatment is most effective when begun early. 

PRUNING

Plants require only a shortening of more vigorous branches the first year or two after planting to keep a symmetrical appearance.  After the second year, begin the following program of maintenance pruning:

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS – Spring flowering varieties should be pruned after flowering.  Summer flowering varieties should be pruned in the early spring.

EVERGREEN SHRUBS – June or July after new growth has opened.  A few weeks after planting, some lower branches may turn brown due to mishandling during planting.  These can be pruned off.

EVERGREEN TREES – Prune in June and do no remove more than one-half of the new growth.  A few weeks after planting, some lower branches may turn brown due to mishandling during planting.  These can be pruned off.

FORMAL HEDGES – Prune several times during the season.

SHADE TREES – After the first year, remove one or two of the lowest limbs until the lowest limbs are at the ultimate desired height.  Most trees can be trimmed any time of the year.  Oak and Honeylocust, however, should be trimmed during the winter.