2torial #0720:
Learn2 Plant a Tree (Continued)

Remove the root ball from the container

If your new tree came in a container, carefully lay the tree on the ground--be careful of the foliage--with the root ball near the hole. Hit the bottom and sides of the container until the root ball is loosened, and remove the container. You can also roll the pot from side to side to loosen the roots and soil.

If your tree came in some form of packaging, carefully unwrap the packaging materials and soak the roots in a bucket of water for 15 minutes. Don't let them sit too long, though, because roots actually breathe, and you might "drown" the tree.

Once you've moved the roots from the container or packaging, plant the tree quickly. The fragile root tips that absorb water and minerals die off when exposed to light and air.