A Strong Start for New Plants

Plant With Confidence.

A little preparation and consistent watering can make all the difference. Use this guide to help your new trees, shrubs and perennials settle into their Maine garden.

Trees, shrubs and perennials ready for gardeners at Estabrook's Yarmouth garden center

Before You Begin

Cool Weather Makes Establishing Roots Easier.

Spring and fall are ideal times to plant trees and shrubs. Temperatures are cooler, moisture is easier to maintain and new roots can establish with less stress than during summer heat.

Trees & Shrubs

Nine Steps to Better Establishment.

Prepare a broad planting area, preserve the correct root-ball height and finish with a moisture-retaining basin.

  1. 01

    Prepare a Wide Hole

    Dig almost as deep as the root system and twice as wide. Loosen the soil surrounding the hole.

  2. 02

    Set the Correct Height

    Position the root ball about 2 inches above the existing grade. Score circling roots on pot-bound plants. Leave biodegradable burlap in place.

  3. 03

    Release the Top

    Untie string around the top of the root ball and completely remove plastic string. Do not remove the wire basket.

  4. 04

    Amend the Backfill

    Mix one shovel of peat moss, cow manure or compost with three shovels of existing soil.

  5. 05

    Firm the Soil

    Backfill and gently firm the soil around the base of the plant with your hands.

  6. 06

    Build a Watering Basin

    Create a shallow basin 3–4 inches deep with soil or mulch. Make it roughly 1½ times the root-ball diameter.

  7. 07

    Water Thoroughly

    Fill the basin 2–3 times to saturate the root system. Continue checking and watering regularly.

  8. 08

    Support New Roots

    Apply a root stimulant. Ask our team about fertilizer needs for your particular plant.

  9. 09

    Finish With Mulch

    Add 1–2 inches of bark or another mulch to retain moisture, keeping it 2–3 inches away from trunks and stems.

A low-flow hose filling the soil basin around the root zone of a newly planted shrub

Tree & Shrub Watering

Water the Root Ball, Not Just the Surface.

Requirements vary with soil and weather. Plant foliage can shed rainfall away from the root ball, so check moisture even after it rains.

1 gal.For a 1-gallon container
3 gal.For a 2-gallon container
5 gal.For a 3-gallon container

These amounts are starting guidelines. Adjust for drainage, rainfall, temperature and plant size.

Perennials

Prepare the Bed for Years of Growth.

Thoughtful spacing, rich soil and close moisture monitoring help perennial roots establish quickly.

  1. 01

    Plan the Spacing

    Choose the correct number of plants for the area. Check the plant tag, browse our online catalog or ask our team.

  2. 02

    Improve the Soil

    Pull back existing mulch. Incorporate balanced organic fertilizer and 2–4 inches of compost or composted cow manure into the planting area, then level it.

  3. 03

    Prepare Each Plant

    Water plants well, dig wider but no deeper than the root ball and gently loosen or score circling roots after removing the pot.

  4. 04

    Plant at Grade

    Set the plant level with the surrounding soil, backfill and firm gently. Form a shallow soil dish 6–8 inches from the crown to retain water.

  5. 05

    Mulch and Water

    Apply 3–4 inches of bark mulch or 1–2 inches of buckwheat hull mulch, then water thoroughly.

  6. 06

    Monitor Daily

    Check moisture every day for the first two weeks and water when needed until established. Provide extra water during drought.

Need a Second Opinion?

Bring Your Plant Questions to Us.

Our plant team can help with placement, soil preparation, watering and care.

Contact Our Team Return to Ship2Store