Keep the roots moist, do not pick up by the trunk, and always handle plants carefully.
Dig your hole a little larger than the size of the root ball.
Remove plastic pot, if balled and burlap, remove twine or wire basket only if the root ball is intact. Set plant into hole, roll back burlap, trimming out excess loose burlap; do not disturb the root ball.
For shrubs, plant at the same depth as the soil line on the plant. As for trees, plant an inch or two high than the root ball to help expose flare root.
Compact the soil around the plant enough to hold the plant firmly in place.
Once the plant is in the ground, water it thoroughly.
Trees should be staked through the first growing season until the roots have established. This is especially important for bald and burlap trees.
Liquid fertilizers can be applied 1-2 weeks after planting when plants are established. Fertilize in spring and fall.
Slow release fertilizers; these are available in granules that can be mixed into the soil or in spikes that can be spiked into the soil.
Apply about 3 inches of mulch in a three-foot diameter circle around the base of the plant.
Keep the mulch 1-2 inches from the trunk of the plant (the moist environment can increase the risk of disease).
Prune only dead or broken branches. Major pruning is usually not necessary for the first 3 years of growth.