Dig your hole 12 inches wider than the rootball. This leaves 6 inches all the way around the rootball for your backfill. The depth of your hole should be precisely the height of the rootball. For example, if the rootball ball stands 26 inches high and 24 inches wide, then the hole needs to be 26 inches deep and 36 inches wide. Leave the wire basket and burlap connected to the rootball.
 

Roll the tree into the hole, making sure that the top of the rootball is at or slightly (1-2 inches) above ground level . The general rule on backfill is “what comes out, goes back in.” Break up the soil that was removed as best as possible. Backfill the hole trying to leave no air pockets. It is not necessary tamp the backfill. With the remaining backfill, create a “saucer” around the outer edge of the rootball. This saucer should be approximately 6-8 inches in height, and over time will naturally settle around the rootball. No backfill should be placed on top of the rootball. Any white nylon string or straps must me removed after planting. All other types of strings may stay on and will decompose. A thin (1-2 inches) layer of mulch can be spread over the top of the rootball and the “saucer.” Staking the tree may be required (ie. high wind area, slope planting, etc.).
 

Balled and Burlap Trees:
Turn hose on to a trickle (like what comes out of a drinking fountain) and place next to the trunk of the tree. Water for 30-45 minutes or until water begins to runoff. Water the tree in this fashion every 10 days. Do not water your tree everyday!

Containerized Trees:
Follow the directions above, but water the tree 3 times the first week, 2 times the second week, and 1 time every week thereafter. Do not water your tree everyday!

Note: 1 inch of rainfall in a 24 hour period is considered 1 watering.