Things You'll Need:
- Shovel
- pH test kit
- Soil-rendering material for clay
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Step 1
Plant your ornamental plum tree in slightly acidic soil with a pH balance between 4 and 7 for best results in terms of flowering and fruit production. While a flowering plum can survive in a variety of difficult soil conditions, such as clay or loam, you will need to find a spot with moist, well-drained soil to nurture a young tree to maturity in the least amount of time. Use a pH kit, which is available at most garden supply stores, to find out whether you need to add soil amendments to change the pH level.
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Step 2
Dig a hole that is exactly the same depth of the root ball of your ornamental plum tree, and 2 to 3 times as wide. If there is a lot of clay in the soil, you may want to add a soil-rendering product to break it up and make it easier to plant the tree. By loosening the soil in the area around the tree, you will encourage the somewhat fragile root system to expand at a faster rate.
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Step 3
Drop the ornamental plum tree into the hole after you have removed the container or burlap sack containing the root ball. Loosen and untangle the delicate root system with your fingers, especially if the tree has become root bound prior to the transplant. Use a small amount of water to remove soil around the roots if it has become too compacted.
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Step 4
Pack the remaining dirt back into the hole, ensuring that the tree remains upright, and the level of the dirt is not higher than it was within the root ball. Ensure that there are no pockets of air, which will allow stagnant water to collect underneath your tree, possibly causing it to rot or die.
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Step 5
Water your freshly planted ornamental plum tree at least once a day for the first few weeks. While a mature tree requires much less watering than other types of flowering trees, you may need to provide an extra drink or two during hot and dry weather.
