1 - DIG YOUR HOLE
The hole should be approximately the same height as the rootball of the plant but twice as wide. Once the plant is in the ground, the base of the plant that meets the rootball should not be below the surface of your existing ground. Evergreen trees should be spaced approximately 6-8 feet apart for a live fence row/screen.
2 - PLACE PLANT IN HOLE
Place your plant in the center of the hole. Make sure that it is standing straight and the top of the rootball is not below the surface of your existing ground. If so, replace some of the dirt to correct it.
3 - BACKFILL THE HOLE
Carefully fill the hole in with dirt. Try not to leave any air pockets. It helps to crumble the dirt and water while filling the hole. (FYI.. if you decide to use a soil amendment, be sure to mix it with your existing dirt that was removed from the hole before you fill the hole back in...Do Not fill in with just the soil amendment! .
4 - WATER
Water thoroughly once planting is complete. You may use mulch to help retain moisture if desired. Be sure to place the mulch around the tree leaving a "donut" size distance (approx 2-3 inches) between the trunk of the plant and the mulch. DO NOT APPLY MULCH DIRECTLY AGAINST BASE OF PLANT!!
FINAL NOTE!!
Generally speaking, newly planted plants need to be watered thoroughly at least 3 times per week for about the first couple of months. Then watering can be cut back to 1-2 times per week.
However, in addition to this, we actually recommend what we call the "finger rule"
You don't want to wait for your plant to become completely dried out before you water. Stick your finger in the soil around the plant. If it is dry...it needs water!! If it is really moist...it is o.k. for the moment.