Expert: Jim Hyland - 4/23/2007

Question
I'm Located in Rochester NY. I'm planting 25 Emerald Green Arborvitae on one side of my back yard. They're 3 foot tall now and I was just wondering about what type of starter fertilizer to use when planting (if any). Any tips on getting them in the ground properly would also be appreciated. Thanks

Answer
I would not fertilize them at all for the first year. The roots need to get established and the fertilize will add more foliage growth then root growth. Next year you can use a evergreen fertilizer like hollytone. But do not over fertilize.
The best thing that can be done during planting is the dig a hole twice the size of the rootball of the tree and fill with potting soil and mulch with not more than 3 inches deep of mulch and water. Water daily for the first two weeks if it does not rain and then weekly if it does not rain. This will give the trees a good start.