Forster Nurseries - Wetaskiwin, Alberta Phone: (780) 352-6900   Planting Trees and Shrubs Establishing trees on your lot or in your yard is a big step. Newly planted trees are one of your most important investments. We suggest you carefully consider what trees will suit your needs before you make a purchase. If cared for properly, trees can beautify your outdoor area with color, cooling shade, and a look of permanence. Feel free to ask one of our friendly knowledgeable staff for advice. We're more than happy to lend you our experience, to help ensure your yard will leave a lasting impression.   Planting a Potted Tree: Step 1: Dig a hole about twice as wide and twice as deep as the container the plant was purchased in. Step 2: Fill the bottom of the hole with a mixture of peat moss, good top soil and a handful of bonemeal or starter fertilizer. (Optional - recommended if planting in the spring.) If your soil contains a lot of clay, you may also want to add some sand or rock to the bottom layer for good drainage and plant slightly higher. Step 3: Turn the plant on its side, and gently remove the tree and soil from the pot. Loosen the roots around the outside and on the bottom of the soil ball with a knife or gardening tool. Step 4: Place the plant in the hole so the the top of the rootball matches the surrounding soil level. Fill in the hole with a mixture of peat moss and topsoil. Planting it too deeply could cause the trunk to rot, cutting off the plant's water supply. Step 5: Pack gently to remove all air pockets, and make a donut-like depression around it so that the tree will hold water. Lastly, water well.   Planting a Basketed Tree: When planting a tree that has been basketed, all the same basic steps apply, except step 3. You do not need to remove the basket from the root ball of the tree. Place the tree in the hole to the correct height. Remove all the white tying cord. Fold down all surface wire to below ground level. Fold down or remove burlap that is above ground level before you fill the soil around the root ball. *The burlap will decompose and the roots of the tree will eventually grow through the burlap and the wire.