Planting Pointers: Warm-Weather Techniques for Container and Balled-and-Burlapped Plants

If planting in warm weather, soak rootball in water-filled galvanized tub while digging hole. Plant in early evening after temperatures cool. Water well after planting.

Container-Grown Plants

Fall: most perennials, shrubs, trees sold in black plastic pots. Slide out rootball; rough up sides with gloved hands. Snip circling roots or dense bottom mats.

1. Dig hole 3–4× rootball width, same depth. (Mild climates: top of rootball ~1″ above grade for settling.) Set plant.
2. If native soil is loam and drains well, backfill with it. If sandy or heavy clay, mix 1:1 with compost. Add in stages, firming around roots by hand.
3. Build soil berm for watering basin. Irrigate gently. Mulch several inches from stem/trunk. Don't fertilize until new spring growth emerges.

Balled-and-Burlapped Shrubs and Trees

Common in Northwest for large field-dug specimens. Rootball wrapped in burlap/synthetic, tied with twine.

1. Measure rootball height. Rainy climates: dig hole slightly shallower so top is barely above grade. Cold climates: rootball level with grade.
2. Untie covering. Burlap rots—spread to uncover half rootball. Synthetic: remove. Windy site: drive stake upwind. Fill to 4″ from top; water gently.
3. Continue filling, firming. Build berm for basin; soak rootball thoroughly. If staked, tie loosely.