Tips for Planting

1. Steps to Proper Installation

• Dig a hole 1-½ times wider than the root ball but 1” shallower.
• Place the root ball in the ground and check that the first main root (flare) is just above the soil line.
• Fill soil around sides of the root ball.
  • Don’t put soil on top
• Add mulch around plant.
  • Don’t add any on top of the root ball.
• Water at planting and then on a regular schedule until the plant is established.

2. Space plants according to the mature size

3. Mulching Tips

• Apply 3-4 inches of mulch and maintain a 2-3 inch layer on landscape beds to retain soil moisture, prevent erosion, and suppress weed germination.
• Use by-product or alternative mulches such as pine bark, eucalyptus, melaleuca, or utility mulch.
• FFL does not recommend the use of cypress mulch, as its origins may be difficult to determine.
• Avoid mulching over the root ball.

4. Mulch Guide