February March 2018

13 continues » Planting Fertilizing • Apply fertilizer directly to the soil before planting as an inexpensive step that can increase plant health. [Boxelder uses a 0/10/10 (nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium) fertilizer applied in a ditch and then drills holes for the trees, which mixes in the fertilizer well. Alameda incorporates 200 pounds of a slow-release 19-5-8 fertilizer per 60 yards of soil.] Depth • When planting in a field, try to get the holes to coincide as closely as possible with the depth of the roots. • Plant bare root with the top of the root within the top two inches of soil, or at least with the crown (grass line) at or just above the final soil level. Planting too deep will kill a bare root plant. • Work the soil around the root system. • If necessary, top with more soil after a complete and thorough watering, but do not cover the crown of the plant. Watering • Water thoroughly right after planting and then as necessary depending on the climate and weather. • Keep the plants pretty wet until they start to leaf out, or if preferred, water on a wet-dry cycle where they don’t get too dry, but are also not saturated all of the time. • Bear in mind that overwatering can cause root rot of new bare root plants. Post-planting adjustments • After the first watering, go back through the plants to make sure the depths are correct. If needed, put more dirt in or pull the tree up. • During the second watering, straighten any trees that have settled crooked or been blown over at all by the wind. Avoiding planting in strong winds will decrease this possibility. • Try to avoid planting during a period of high temperatures, which can dry out new bare root plant tops before they can bud and leaf out. If temperatures are high, ensure plants are sufficiently watered. colorad o nga.org LooseLeaf  February/March 2018 “The biggest problem with new bare root not surviving is over-pruning of the root system and continued heavy watering. The most important part of planting bare root is to not plant them too deep, which will kill a bare root plant.” – Alameda Wholesale Nursery Production Manager Bob Mudra