In sandy loam soils that drain well, plants should be positioned in the planting hole at the level they were originally grown in the nursery. Clothes pins are used to hold young branches at desired branched angles. Most Ohio soils, however, are not well-drained. They usually consist of silt and clay particles, and drainage is often less than desirable. In soils that drain poorly, plants should be planted somewhat higher than they were in the nursery.
More air needs to reach the root system when soils drain poorly.
In these soil conditions, plants can be placed from 2 to 4 inches higher than they were during their growth in the nursery. The width of the planting hole should be at least two or three times the diameter of the root ball. After placing the container-grown tree in the planting hole, back fill with soil. Apply water at the rate of two to three gallons per tree every two to three weeks. Mulch 2 to 3 inches deep.