When installing several plants, prepare a planting bed by tilling or double digging the site 15 to 20 inches deep, working in an organic matter as you prepare the planting site. Add fertilizer amendments by mixing thoroughly into the soil. This method of soil preparation is ideal when planting several plants within an area. The other method of site preparation involves digging a hole for each plant. Site preparation involves more than just digging a hole for each plant.
Most nurseries grow ball and burlap and bare-root plants in sandy to loamy soil.
When these plants are moved to the landscape site, the difference in soil texture can make transplanting more difficult. A loam soil consists of equal volumes of clay, silt, and sand, making it ideal for transplanting shrubs and trees. Preparing Planting Site Prepare the planting hole three to five times wider than the diameter of the ball and burlap or container plant being transplanted. Dig the edges of the hole at a 45-degree angle. If digging the planting hole with a mechanical tree spade, cut groves in the sides and bottom of the hole.