If you bought a tree in a container, grab the tree at the base of the trunk, lift it just slightly off the ground (an inch or two) and tap sharply on the rim of the container.  The pot should come loose.  Then carefully lift up the tree and set it gently in the hole.  For large containers, lay the tree on it's side and slide it out of the pot.

If you bought a tree in a "grow bag", the root ball will be in a fabric bag with a plastic bottom, instead of a plastic pot.  The grow bag must be removed when you plant your trees, but you must do it carefully and not break apart the root ball. Make sure your hole is wide enough so that you have about six inches of room to work all around the root ball. First, lean the tree over and carefully cut away the plastic at the bottom.  Then, set your tree down into the hole.  Next, slice down the sides of the grow bag in several places, so that the bag can be removed in pieces---with the root ball intact.  Some of the tree's fine roots will have rooted into the fabric of the bag.  If you are having trouble removing all of the bag, it is ok to leave some in the hole, as long as it is sufficiently mutilated and out of the way.  You want to make sure that the roots have contact with the soil and that the tree will be able to root out into your soil.  The most important thing is that you do not break apart the root ball, so work carefully!

If you bought a tree in a burlap bag, after the tree is set in the hole and some dirt has been added to the hole, cut loose the tie around the base of the trunk.  This tie will not decompose fast enough, and if left on the tree will girdle the trunk and can kill the tree.  The burlap can be pulled back from the trunk, but does not have to be removed because it will quickly decompose and will not inhibit root growth.  This is only true if it is common burlap---plastic burlap must be removed.  The root control "grow bag" is a better growing method and is used exclusively at Sunshine Nursery.

The most important thing that you can do for your new tree is to monitor the water.  The second most important thing is to mulch, mulch, mulch.  Keep the grass back away from the trunk of your tree.  Grass saps the available water and competes with your tree.  (As well as inviting lawn mowers and weed eaters too close!  See the next topic.)  Spread the mulch of your choice several inches deep in at least a 3 foot circle around the tree (preferably wider), but don't pile mulch up on the trunk of the tree.  Mulch cools the soil, retains moisture, and keeps weeds at bay.  You can use wood chips, cotton seed hulls, or even dried grass clippings to mulch around your tree.  

Don't girdle your tree!  Girdling happens when lawn mowers and weed eaters get too close to the trunk and damage the bark of the tree.  Chaining dogs to a tree can also cause girdling to happen.  Some of the tree's most important cells lie just under the bark.  These cells are responsible for transporting water and nutrients up, and food down, the tree. Damaging this layer of cells stops this important flow and will severely damage or kill your tree.  

In Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plains, staking your tree is a necessary evil.  Your tree should be staked while it is getting established, usually for the first year or so, not indefinitely.  Once it is established and rooted in, it will be able to hold itself up.  You also do not want to completely immobilize your tree.  Some swaying in the wind will help to strengthen your tree.  To stake your tree, you will need:  two long stakes, two pieces of soft rubber hose about 12 inches long (cut these from the end of an old watering hose), and two pieces of wire 3-4 feet in length.  Drive the stakes into the ground a foot or so away from the trunk of your tree, one on the east and one on the west.  Do not drive the stakes into the root ball of your tree. Thread a length of wire through one piece of hose.  Wrap the wire and hose once around the trunk of your tree, and secure the wire to one of the stakes.  Repeat for the other side.  No wire should be touching the trunk of the tree.  The rubber hose will help protect your tree trunk.  Wide strapping can also be used. Check the stakes periodically to make sure they are not too tight, and that they are not causing a sore on your tree.   Remove the stakes after a year or so has passed.  It is best to remove them in the summer or fall after the spring storms have passed.

Winters in Oklahoma can damage the young bark of your tree trunk. This occurs when the bark is frozen in low night temperatures and then warms in the sun during the day hours. The sudden changing of temperatures can cause cell damage especially on the southwest side of the tree trunk. Loosely wrapping the lower 2' of trunk with tree wrap or similar material to provide insulation during the very cold months can prevent damage while the tree is new and the bark is thin. The wrap should be removed in spring.

Water your tree when it is dry.  If you plant your tree in the fall or winter, it will not need to be watered as often as if you plant it in the spring or summer.  Until your tree roots out into your soil, it can only reach the water that is in its original root ball.  The potting mix that your container tree is planted in is lighter weight than your soil and will dry out faster.  In fact, if the potting mix gets really dry, it will start to repel water, making it very hard to water your tree.  Water your tree regularly so that this does not happen.  The summers in western Oklahoma are harsh.  For the most part, rain does not count because it doesn't usually penetrate deep enough.  A tree newly planted in the summer should be watered every day with ten to fifteen gallons of water.  Making a dam around your tree helps keep the water where it needs to go.   As your tree gets older and can reach farther, it will need to be watered less often.  Your older tree will still need to be watered during the heat of summer. It is best to water them slowly so the water can soak deeply into the top 12-18 inches of soil.  Turn the water hose on low and lay it near the trunk of the tree and let it run for an hour.  If you use a sprinkler, set a coffee can in the area to see how long it must run to deliver an inch of water. 

Prune your tree during the first few years to help maintain a healthy tree structure.  When you prune it is very important to do it correctly.  See our pruning guide for more information.