Planting Guide

Thank you for choosing Direct Native Plants as your source for native plants.

Your plants were grown in the containers in which they arrived. If they arrived in late Fall through early Spring (trees and shrubs) they may have few or no leaves. Herbaceous plants (perennials) may not have any foliage visible above the soil line. Both of these conditions are normal for that time of year.

Container grown plants require little attention before transplanting.
Step 1

When you first receive your plants, moisten the soil if the root mass seems dry to the touch.

Step 2

Transplant to their permanent location as soon as possible.

Step 3

Remove plants from their containers by lightly squeezing the sides of the container. Turn the plant upside down and shake root mass loose from the container.

Step 4

Proceed with planting following the guidelines below.

Dig your hole the same depth as the container and at least three times as wide. When your plant is set in the new hole, its soil line should be level with that of the surrounding area. Backfill the hole with the soil you just dug, making sure to break up any clods into small pieces. Firmly pack the backfill to remove any air pockets. Water your new plant thoroughly. This will help to remove any air pockets and settle the backfill. You can also sculpt a basin around the plant to help keep future waterings in the rootzone of the plant.

We recommend using a mulch ring to protect your new trees and shrubs. This will help insulate soil, retain moisture, keep out weeds, and prevent lawn mower damage. Unlike traditional mulch, mulch rings will not suffocate the base of your plant and are less labor intensive.

Special Handling Instructions

Okay, so it’s fall and you’re busy with other things or it’s winter and there’s no way you can dig a decent hole for your plants in frozen ground. Here’s what we suggest to buy yourself some time until your schedule or the weather allows:

  • Find a sheltered spot on your property. Ideally this is a north or east facing location, preferably against a building, solid fence, up against a large tree trunk, or under a large evergreen.

  • Keep the plant in its container and water if it seems dry. Check at least once a week.

  • Use mulch, leaves or snow to cover the container completely. This will act as insulation against drying winds and freeze/thaw cycles that can damage or kill roots. Bury the container but not the plant itself, just mulch around the container (the more the merrier) and maybe an inch overtop of the soil inside the container.

  • A caution: mice and other rodents can eat tender plant parts, including roots.

As always, contact us if you have questions. Your success is ours as well.

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