Dig the hole as deep as the rootball is in the container and 2-3 times as wide as the container.  If planting a street tree, dig the hole in the center of the parkstrip at the green or white "T" marked on your curb.

Score the sides of the hole by adding knoches with a shovel or pickaxe.  This creates uneven soil for the roots to grow into.  This is especially important if the hole has been augured.

Create a compacted mound in the center of the hole about 4 inches high to act as a pedestal to set the rootball on.  The mound will help with drainage and prevents the tree from sinking after it’s watered.

Find and expose the first woody root on the trunk flare.

To remove the tree from the pot, lay the tree on its side near the hole and loosen the soil in the container by gently kneeling on the container.

After the tree is removed from the pot, untangle the rootball and cut major circling roots with a sharp set of pruners.

Place the rootball in the center of the hole and check the depth using the support stake to level the first woody root with the surrounding grade, or slightly above. Adjust the mound as necessary.

Consider the canopy orientation.

Backfill the soil while holding roots outward and gently tamping down loose soil.  Do not cover the top of the rootball or the first woody root.

Remove the original nursery stake and backfill the hole left by the stake.

Install the Reddy Stake.  Click here for full a guide on Reddy Stake Installation.