Your newly purchased tree or bush does not require immediate transplant. The plant can remain in the container until you are ready to transplant. Place the plant where the plant can receive sufficient sunlight. Do water the plant regularly especially on the hot and dry days. A plant in a container above ground will require water more often than a plant in the ground. Also, periodically rotate the container to face the sun to encourage the new root growth to grow more evenly.

• Very Important First Step Before You Dig And Plant: Determine the exact location for your new plant where sufficient sunlight is available. Place the plant or stick a flag or pole in this spot to mark the spot. Be patient. During the day or even days ahead, notice this location from different angles (house window, driveway, porch, yard, etc.) and adjust the location as needed.
• Dig a hole a few inches wider and deeper than the container size. The hole width can be up to a foot wider (6 inches each side) than the container for optimum planting, although not necessary. The top of the plant ball must be planted level with the ground.
• While the plant is still in the container, place the plant and container into the hole to make sure the width and depth is exactly right. Adjust the hole width and depth as needed. Then, remove the plant from the container by placing the bottom of the container on your left knee and pulling down on the sides of the container until you feel the plant ball is loose enough to be carefully removed.
• Carefully remove the plant from the container by pulling the plant straight up or laying the container on it's side and wiggling the plant out of the container.
• Place the plant into the center of the hole making sure the top of the plant ball is level to the ground, adjust the depth as necessary. Plant should be firmly placed into the hole.
• Back fill the space around the plant with the same or nutrient treated soil, but not fertilize. Apply medium pressure to the loose soil so the soil will hold the plant into position.
• Water the plant generously and allow the water to drain or settle, apply more soil around the plant if needed.
• Lightly water the plant daily or every other day or so depending on the weather conditions. To avoid root rot, do not over water the plant continuously. Allow the water to soak into the ground where the roots can somewhat dry out at times before adding more water.
• After one year in the ground, the plant can be lightly fertilized as desired. Never over fertilize any plant. Miracle grow mixed with water is a good choice for a deciduous tree or bush fertilizer. Evergreen-Tone and Holly-Tone is a good choice for evergreen tree fertilizer.
• If you experience deer damage in your area, you should install a wire fence around the plant. At least one foot space surrounding the plant and two feet higher than the plant. A four foot or three foot wire fence and two or three light-duty metal fence u-post should be sufficient for a few years or more, if needed. Wire fence and u-post are available at most hardware type stores.