Peter Del Tredici of the Arnold Arboretum explains the proper way to plant a tree or shrub. Trees and shrubs are sometimes sold balled and burlapped (figure A). They've been dug from the soil where they've grown and wrapped in a protective layer of fabric so they can be moved and sold. The roots of these plants, unlike those grown in containers, have never been confined. Some garden professionals believe that balled-and-burlapped plants adapt better to transplanting and growing in the soil. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when planting is spacing trees and shrubs too close together--or too close to buildings, structures and power lines. Always keep in mind the plant's mature size, and site it accordingly. The planting hole should be about the same depth as the root ball and about twice as wide (figure B). Another common mistake is digging the planting hole too deep. In such a case, the soil settles after planting, and the plant sinks. If the heel (the swollen area where the trunk meets the root ball) of the plant is buried, it will be more susceptible to fungal rot. Unwrap the burlap, and lift the plant gently into the planting hole. If the root ball is crumbly (figure C), lift the plant using the burlap. If the burlap is made from jute, a natural fiber, you can leave it in place in the planting hole, as it will eventually rot. Tuck it down around the sides of the root ball so the roots can grow freely. Synthetic burlap must be removed at planting time because it doesn't rot and would prevent the free growth of the roots.
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