Planting and Watering Guide: How to Protect Your Investment
You’ve just made a valuable investment in your landscape—now it’s time to protect it. Proper planting and watering techniques are key to keeping your trees and shrubs healthy and thriving. Follow our expert tips below to give your plants the best start possible.
Replacement Policy: Plant Warranty
At Cross Creek Nursery, we take pride in offering only the highest quality trees and shrubs, carefully maintained to ensure their success in your landscape. Still, even the best plants need proper care to thrive. That’s why we stand behind our products with a one-time replacement guarantee.
If your tree or shrub doesn’t thrive after following our recommended planting and watering instructions—and you’ve used our suggested products—we will provide 100% store credit for the plant’s purchase price within the first year.
To qualify for a replacement, please bring:
- Your original receipt
- A photo of the failed plant
Important Notes:
This warranty does not cover losses due to:
- Weather damage
- Improper planting
- Over or under-watering
- Insect damage
- Winterkill
This policy applies only to trees and shrubs and does not include:
- Annuals
- Perennials
- Edibles
- Indoor Plants
Checklist: What You’ll Need
Before you begin planting, gather the following tools and supplies:
- Shovel
- Bio-Tone
- Organic Mulch
- Soil Conditioner
- Root Stimulator
- Pruners or a Garden Knife
- Garden Hose
Do’s and Don’ts of Planting
Do’s
- Deep Watering: Use a hose to water deeply, 2–3 times a week during the first season.
- Prune Thoughtfully: Remove any dead wood, broken branches, or suckers to help the tree focus energy on new growth.
- Fertilize: Apply fertilizer in March and July to promote healthy development.
Don'ts
- Don’t Over-Prune at Planting: Avoid cutting back your tree too much when you first plant it. Let it establish itself first.
- Don’t Rely Solely on Irrigation Systems: These only moisten the top layer of soil. Your tree needs deeper watering.
- Don’t Skip Staking (if needed): For unsteady trees, use two stakes placed on opposite sides. Be sure to remove them after one year.
Steps for Planting Success
1. Dig
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Ensure the root ball sits about 2” above the surrounding soil line.
- For B&B (balled & burlapped) trees, remove as much burlap and twine as possible. Cut away wire baskets and always take off any rope around the trunk.
2. Mix
- Mix the native soil with Bio-Tone Starter and Soil Conditioner according to package directions.
- Set this amended soil mix aside for backfilling.
3. Place
- Gently remove the plant from its container.
- Loosen roots slightly to help them spread out.
- Place the plant in the center of the hole and backfill using your amended soil.
- Do not compact the soil—just gently tamp it down to eliminate air pockets.
4. Water
- Deep water thoroughly using a hose until the root zone is saturated.
- Avoid irrigation systems—they only wet the top few inches of soil.
- Continue deep watering 2–3 times a week for the entire first year, especially in hot or dry conditions.
5. Mulch
- Apply at least 3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree or shrub.
- Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and disease.
- Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weeds.
Have questions? We’re here to help!
📧 Email: info@crosscreeknursery.com
📞 Call us:
Midlothian: (804) 378-0700
West End: (804) 620-2002
