Village of Greenhills
Arbor Day Everyday
Thank You for Visiting Us at the Village of Greenhills Harvest Festival!
Below are some planting instructions to ensure your seedlings—willows, arborvitae, juniper, and sweet gum—establish successfully in their new homes.
How to Plant your Seedling
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Unpack Your Seedlings: Remove all packing materials and gently take the seedlings out of their pots. Be careful not to disturb the roots too much. If the roots are tightly bound, gently loosen them to encourage outward growth.
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Prepare the Planting Area: Dig a hole that is wider than the pot to provide space for the roots to expand. Clear away any grass within a 3-foot circular area around the hole. Turn the soil in an area up to 3 feet in diameter to promote healthy root growth.
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Plant the Seedling: Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring that the root flare (where the roots meet the trunk) is 1 to 3 inches above ground level. Partially fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the lower roots. Avoid using fertilizer, potting soil, or chemicals.
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Complete the Planting: Fill in the remaining soil, packing it firmly but not tightly. Create a water-holding basin around the seedling to help retain moisture. Water the seedling thoroughly, allowing the water to soak in.
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Add Mulch: After watering, spread a protective layer of mulch two inches deep in a 3-foot diameter area around the base of the seedling, keeping it away from the trunk.
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Maintain Moisture: Keep the soil and mulch around your seedlings moist but not soggy. During dry periods, water generously every 7 to 10 days during the first year, applying water slowly at the dripline.
