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- 1). Plant a container-grown tree or shrub in spring or autumn for best results, especially if it's an evergreen. If that timing doesn't fit your schedule, though, any time except midsummer will work, as long as the soil is not bone-dry, saturated or frozen.
- 2). Dig a hole that's at least 6 inches wider than the container on all sides and about the same depth. Then roughen up the sides of the hole with your shovel.
- 3). Remove the plant from its container even if the label says you don't need to; the roots will spread out more quickly. With a small tree or shrub, it's easy to do this job before you lower plant into its hole; with a larger plant, it's easier to handle if you set it into the hole first and then cut away the container.
- 4). Knock a plant out of a rigid plastic container. Simply tilt the pot onto its side, tap it lightly, and gently slide out the rootball. If the container is made of metal or a soft material such as peat, cut the pot away using a knife, clippers or tin snips.
- 5). Gently tease out any roots that are encircling the rootball with your fingers so that they are free, taking care not to break up the ball of soil. Then clip off any damaged roots.
- 6). Place stakes in the hole if you're planting a tree that will need support (see "eHow to Stake and Tie a Tree").
- 7). Set the plant into the hole at the same depth it was growing in the pot, and begin filling the hole, checking as you go to make sure the plant is standing straight up. Add about 4 inches of soil and gently firm it with your foot or a hoe to remove any air pockets. Repeat the process until the hole is filled.
- 8). Water slowly to saturate the soil and remove any remaining air pockets.
- 9). Use any extra to build a temporary berm at the drip line (the place on the ground directly below the outer edges of the foliage) and water again.
- 10
Keep the soil moist for the first year after planting. Mulch to retain moisture, but keep at least 6 inches bare around the trunk. Check frequently; if you see yellow leaves or the soil feels dry, water immediately.
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