Handling & Planting
Handle your new balled and burlap (B&B) tree carefully, so the root ball doesn't fracture. A broken root ball could damage fine roots by tearing them or allowing air to dry them out. Gently roll the tree on/off a trailer or truck to its final planting location. Do not drop or bounce the root ball from transport equipment. Plant your new tree as soon as possible according to the attached diagram.Initial Care & Water
Treat your new tree as if it just came from major surgery...because the digging process is very similar to a hospital operation from the tree's point of view. The digging process cuts almost 80% of the tree's original roots. One rule of thumb is that it will take at least one year for every inch of trunk diameter for a tree to fully recover from digging and transplanting (ie- a 2" diameter trunk will need two years to fully recover). Once planted, give the new tree a good soaking to settle dirt around the root zone and to eliminate small air pockets in newly disturbed soil.The single most important thing you can do to ensure survivability is regular watering. Watering is especially important during the first and second summers when your tree has new leaves and appears to be doing well, but may actually be stressed through excessive transpiration. A thorough soaking every 4-5 days is recommended.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is not recommended within the first year of transplanting because all the soil has not yet tightly sealed against the roots and fertilizer can travel down small crevices and burn new roots in the ground. After the first year, a cup of 21-0-0 fertilizer (ammonium sulphate or nitrate) evenly spread around the drip zone in early spring or late fall is helpful for tree growth and to neutralize alkaline soils typically found in the intermountain west.Short-term Storage (1-2 weeks)
Even in the dormant stage, B&B trees are perishable. If you must store your tree for a short time before planting, place it in a cool, shady area away from direct sunlight, and keep the root ball damp by lightly watering with 2-3 gallons daily. Do not over-water the root ball to the point where it becomes muddy and loses its tight shape. The burlap will quickly wick moisture from the root zone and dry the entire root ball. A loose plastic sheet, tarp, or old blanket over the root ball will help keep the roots cool and damp.Long-term Storage
If you have to store your tree for over two weeks before planting, heel the entire root ball into a shallow depression or trench in the ground and cover with mulch or sawdust. Keep root balls moist.