1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and just as deep.
2. Use the pitchfork to loosen the soil.
3. Mix the compost in the hole and with the soil you will be back filling with.
4. Remove the tree from the pot.
5. Loosen the roots -especially roots that might be circling the base of the plant.
6. Place the tree in the hole to check for depth.
7. Holding the tree trunk straight, back fill underneath the root ball making sure there is good contact between the soil and root ball.
8. Back fill the rest of the space with the soil/compost mix.
9. With the soil, build a ring (about an inch tall) around the base of the tree to allow for water to drain straight down to the roots.
10. Water the tree thoroughly.

Tips

• Use your legs when digging.

• Make sure the soil line meets the base of the tree.

• Make sure the tree trunk is straight in the ground.

• When watering fill the ring around the base of the tree 3 times.