Things You'll Need:
- Shovel Utility Knife Water supply (hose or several buckets of water)
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Step 1
Choose a location to plant the bushes. The area should be large enough that the bush will not interfere with buildings, other plants or the view when it reaches maturity. Talk to the garden center sales person about specific growth habits of the bushes. Take into consideration the growth of the root system when choosing a location so water lines or drainage lines are not damaged by the roots as they grow. The site also needs to have good drainage (no standing water) and the proper amount of sunlight required (found on the information tag) for the bushes that are being planted. When in doubt, again, talk to the nursery or garden center salesperson.
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Step 2
Dig a hole to plant the bushes. The size of the hole is determined by the size of the bush. The hole should be almost as deep as the root ball of the plant and twice the diameter. For example: If the root ball is one foot in diameter, the hole will be about one foot deep and two feet across.
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Step 3
Position the bush next to the hole. Remove synthetic burlap from the root ball by cutting it away with the utility knife. Synthetic burlap, which feels more like a plastic, is not biodegradable. Natural burlap can be left on to protect the roots while planting but should be rolled halfway down the root ball so the root system can stretch out and grow. Bushes in a container need to be removed from the pot, and any circular roots growing around the root ball need to be carefully removed with the utility knife. Use caution to avoid injuring the root ball. Remove any twine used to tie the root ball. Any wire cage around the root ball can be left on, but should be bent back or the top row of wire cut off so the trunk of the bush has ample room to grow.
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Step 4
Place the plant into the hole and check to make sure the trunk and root junction will be exposed. This section is called the trunk flare. It is the flare that must be above the soil level when the planting process is complete. Covering the trunk flare beneath the soil level can cause it to rot and kill the bush.
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Step 5
Turn the bush so the desired side is facing the chosen direction. The bush can be positioned more as the soil is replaced in the hole. Take care to minimize damaging the roots when positioning the bush.
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Step 6
Fill the hole with soil. Check to be certain the bush is straight and not leaning in one direction or another before completely filling the hole. Position the bush as necessary throughout the hole-filling process.
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Step 7
Water the bush with a continuous low-level flow for about half an hour. Check for settling in the soil. Add more soil if the roots below the trunk flare are exposed. The newly planted bush needs to be watered daily for about a week to give the roots time to establish themselves. Water the soil around the planting site to keep that dirt soft as well so the roots can easily grow into the surrounding soil.
