Dig the hole: Not a Path to China.

The old nurseryman's saying, "dig a $40 hole for a $20 tree," is not just a cliché. To reach its fullest potential, a new plant needs room, so now is not the time to cut corners. The following recommendations by university research can bring planting success.

• Before Digging - Apply water to the digging area several days in advance to make digging much easier. The soil should be moist, but not wet or sticking to the shovel or garden fork. Call your local Blue Stake to find the location of utility lines prior to digging holes.
• Till the Soil - Till or loosen soil four to five times the diameter and no deeper than the root ball. Roots that absorb water and nutrients grow rapidly in this area allowing your plant to establish quickly
• Size of the Hole - Remove soil in the center to create a hole twice as wide but only as deep as the root ball. Leaving the bottom of the hole flat prevents sinking, which can bury the stem or trunk. A bare-root plant will need a hole big enough so that the roots are not crowded.
• Water Drainage - Check drainage by filling the hole with water. If water can penetrate the soil, so can plant roots. If water has not drained in 24 hours, a chimney can be added for proper drainage
• Soil - Caliche is a concrete-like soil deposit that occurs in the Southwest. These layered deposits of calcium carbonate restrict roots, increase soil salinity, impede drainage and reduce a plant's ability to take up iron (an essential nutrient). If your soil contains caliche, break up the layer or remove as many large pieces as possible. A drainage chimney can be added to the planting hole, if necessary.

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