Before You Buy

~ Take the planting season into consideration. Fall is the best time to plant most trees and shrubs because it gives your plants more time to establish a healthy root system before the heat of summer. Early spring is also a great time to plant, but keep in mind that the later in the season you plant, the more watering you will need to do in the summer.

~ Be sure to choose the right plants for your location based on sun exposure and environmental needs. Do not forget to consider your plants’ mature sizes.

~ Investigate the water needs of the trees or shrubs you are considering for your garden or landscape. Due to our long, hot, dry summers here in East Tennessee, supplemental watering is critical to establishing a healthy root structure for your plants. Root establishment can take one or two years for a shrub, two or three years for a tree, and one year for a perennial.

~ Consider planting native! Native plants are integral to the lifecycle of many native animals and insects, are generally easy to care for, and often require less watering than non-native plants.

Planting Instructions

1. While your plant is still in its container to minimize root damage while planting.

2. If the weather has been dry, soak the ground before digging.

3. Take the whole 2 to 3 times as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. The soil below the root ball should remain undisturbed.

4. Consider amending the existing soil if it is composed of hard clay, does not drain readily, and/or contains little organic matter. Mix in soil conditioner (finally ground pine bark), compost, and/or another organic medium with a coarse texture. Backfill mixture should be at least one part or more native soil to one part soil amendments. Also, consider mixing in a root starter fertilizer such as Espoma Bio~Tone Starter Plus to promote healthy root growth.

5. Remove the tree or shrub from its container in carefully loosen the roots all around the root ball. If the plant is root bound with many circling roots, cut or loosen them with a small hand tool.

6. Lower the plant into the hole, making sure not to plant too deeply. The trunk flare (where the trunk expands at the base of the tree) should be above the soil surface. The first lateral root or roots should be right at the soil surface.

7. Begin filling the amended soil around the root ball. Water well before the hole is field to remove air pockets, then water again when planting is complete. Apply no more than 3 inches of mulch on top of the root ball, but do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk of the tree or the main stem of the shrub. Careful application of mulch helps to avoid decay of the bark or stem and/or creating an entry point for pests and diseases.

8. Stake as needed with opposing flexible ties.

Caring for Your New Plants

1. Check your recently planted trees and shrubs regularly for the first year or until their roots are well-established. Adjust supplemental watering to the local rainfall and seasonal needs. In the spring, summer, and fall; during windy weather; or dry weather, water slowly and deeply once or twice a week when the rainfall is less than 1 inches per week. Be careful not to over water.

2. Keep an eye on your plants even after their roots have been established, and give them supplemental water during periods of drought.

3. Fertilize in the spring after the chance of frost has passed.

4. Familiarize yourself with the specific needs of your plants. Some trees and shrubs are hungry and require more fertilizer than others, others thrive in acidic soil, while others (such as fruit trees) must be kept on a spray schedule in order to flourish and bear fruit.

5. Be sure to prune at the correct time. The best time to prune most trees and shrubs is in late winter, but this can vary for different varieties. Keep the tags for your trees and shrubs so you can recheck their care needs.

6. Watch for signs of pest activity or disease so you can begin treatment early. We are here to help you troubleshoot and make the right decisions for your trees and shrubs. See our contact details below.

7. To learn more about your trees or shrubs, you can research them online using authoritative websites such as the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Knox County Extension Office is an excellent online resource for community gardening information. You can call them at 865-215-2340.

8. If your advanced tree information, contact UT’s Knox County ISA Certified Arborist Lee Rumble who will be happy to help you troubleshoot your tree problem by calling him at 865-215-2340

We Are Here to Help

We have a full staff of tree, shrub, and plant specialists, so call on us, if you have any questions or concerns. Contact our trees and shrubs team by email at treesandshrubs@stanleysgreenhouse.com or phone at 865-573-9591.

Warranty Policy

We are committed to providing the highest quality plants, gardening supplies, and service. If you are experiencing problems with a Stanley's tree or shrub purchase, we encourage you to contact us with your concerns either in person here at the greenhouse, by calling 865-573-9591, or by sending an email with photos (if possible) to treesandshrubs@stanleysgreenhouse.com or info@stanleysgreenhouse.com. We will be pleased evaluate your tree or shrub and provide suggestions to improve its health.

If a tree or shrub that was correctly planted and cared for dies within the first year of purchase, Stanley’s offers a credit of 50 percent of the purchase price toward another purchase. The original receipt, and proof of the plant’s demise are required—a photo of the plant will be fine. Some exclusions apply, so follow this link to our warranty policy.