Helpful Hints

Planting Instructions

Printable Version

Dig hole roughly twice the diameter of the root ball with the sloping sides to about the diameter of the root ball at the base.

To correct circling roots cut into the root ball on a minimum of three sides to a depth of 3⁄4 inch from top to bottom.

Set root ball on undistributed soil so the top of the root ball will be 1 1⁄2 to 2 inches above the soil level.

Backfill around the sides with soil from the hole, taking care not to place soil on top of the root ball.

Dress with a thin layer of shredded pine bark mulch.

Stake to anchor for not more than one year.

Water lightly and often at the base of the tree, above the root ball. See chart for amounts.

Care and Maintanence

Printable Version

Watering

Root development is the primary concern in caring for your newly planted tree. It is essential to maintain the proper moisture level in the root zone to keep all roots alive and encourage growth. Improper watering will stunt the growth of a tree and eventually kill it.

The most common cause of plant loss in the Houston area is improper watering.

Symptoms associated with inadequate watering are browning edges of the leaves, wilting and leaf drop. Unfortunately these are also the symptoms displayed by a tree that is receiving too much water or insufficient oxygen in the root zone to allow the tree to respire and take up the water by the roots.

It is best to water your newly planted tree daily, but in moderate amounts. Please refer to the watering table for your tree type and size.

Fertilizing

Container Grown Trees

Fertilizing a newly planted container grown tree is best accomplished by top dressing with a time released fertilizer, such as OSMOCOTE 15-9-12, applied in early spring. This should be done for the first three years after planting.

Recommended rates for most container grown trees are:

15 gal.

1⁄2 cup

30 gal.

1 cup

45 gal.

1 & 1⁄4 cups

65 gal.

1 & 1⁄2 cups

95 gal.

1 & 3⁄4 cups

Machine Moved Trees

We recommend an application of SUPER THRIVE to be made monthly for the first three months after transplant, at a rate of 1⁄2 teaspoon (20 drops) per gallon of water. Each application should consist of five gallons of solution poured slowly over the root zone. We also recommend you make monthly applications of MIRACLE GROW, pouring five gallons of solution, at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon, slowly over the root zone.

Precautions

Guarantee

All trees planted by Bill Bownds Nursery and cared for in the manner described on this sheet will be guaranteed to live for one year. Trees will not be replaced after one year. Trees may be replaced one time only and then just for the original owner. We are not responsible for damage resulting from lightning, windstorms, floods, freezes or insects. We do not guarantee trees not planted by us. We make every effort to handle healthy vigorous trees adapted to this area, so choose a tree satisfactory to you, as we make no replacements, refunds or exchanges on trees not planted by us.

Daily Watering Schedule

Use these charts for watering your newly planted tree during warm weather. Amounts should be decreased during winter months.

L

Light Watering Tree

M

Medium Watering Tree

H

Heavy Watering Tree


Container

L

M

H

15 gal.

1 gal.

2 gal.

3 gal.

30 gal.

2 gal.

3 gal.

4 gal.

45 gal.

3 gal.

4 gal.

5 gal.

65 gal.

4 gal.

5 gal.

6 gal.

95 gal.

5 gal.

6 gal.

7 gal.


Ornamental

Shade

Oak

Fruit & Nut

Crape Myrtle - M

Ash - M

Bur - L

Apple - M

Dogwood - L

Bald Cypress - H

Chestnut - M

Loquat - M

Holly - M

Beech - H

Laurel - M

Peach - M

Magnolia - H

Cedar Elm - L

Live - L

Pear - M

Dwarf Magnolia - M

Evergreen Elm - L

Mexican White - M

Pecan - M

Japanese Magnolia - L

Ginko - M

Nuttall - M

Persimmon - M

Mimosa - M

Red Maple - H

Overcup - H

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Bradford Pear - M

Trident Maple - M

Sawtooth - M

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Texas Mountain Laurel - L

Loblolly Pine - H

Shumard - M

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Vitex - M

Pistache - L

Water - M

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Redbud - L

River Birch - H

White - M

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Retama - L

Sweetgum - M

Willow - M

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Wax Lig. - M

Tupelo Gum - H

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Wax Myrtle - H

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Yaupon - L

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