Growing our Instant Shade Trees is easy, and thanks to our Bare-O-Root  ™ (BOR) Hydroponic process, planting is a snap compared to planting other trees of this size. Instant Shade Trees can be easily carried by hand so you don't need to rent a crane and back-hoe tractor or tear down your fences to get your Instant Shade Trees onto your property either. Because there is no huge soil or root ball to worry about, damage in planting is also reduced to a minimum.

You can order you Instant Shade Trees year-round for planting at most times of the year except during the hottest of summer heat waves, which is not recommended. Ideally, it is best to order your trees in the fall so that we can have them ready for planting during the November through February dormant season, however, Instant Shade Trees are tough and can be planted at most times of the year.

Planting:
Depending on your soil type, a simple power auger (or post-hole digger) is all you need to plant most sizes yourself.  We do recommend that you get a buddy or two to help carry and set the larger trees in place, but that's about it. Larger trees may need to be staked for support during their first year if not planted deep enough. However, in most cases where you can plant your trees approximately 1.5 inches deep per foot of tree length (minimum 18 inches), you should have no trouble except in very windy areas where a little initial support would be helpful.

Watering:
Fast growing Instant Shade Trees require a good deal of water during their primary growing stages. Once planted, you should dig a water basin roughly 2 to 3 feet wide and 6 to 8 inches deep around the base of each tree to hold your irrigation water. It is best to set a hose (or drip hose with 1/2 gallon per hour emitters for 2 or more trees) in the basin of the tree(s) and let the water drip slowly for several days to completely saturate the planting area deeply. After your trees attain the height and size you wish, water only as necessary for most other trees, but do remember to water slowly and deeply for a strong root system.

Fertilizing:
As with water, any fast growing tree such as Instant Shade requires food to build strong branches and roots. A timed release formula of 20-20-20 or 15-15-15 applied in the water basin at 50% of normal strength is a good start for the first 6 months of growth. You can also add organic compounds such as fish meal or steer manure. Just be sure not to over do it and follow label instructions for each product you use.

Maintenance:
Generally, Instant Shade Trees do not need a lot of pruning to maintain their shape once you have the crown trimmed to the proper height for your landscape. During spring there will be some buds that form on the trunk and you should simply wipe those off every week or so. Insect spraying can be minimized or eliminated by using an annual application of Bayer Advanced Tree Care or similar absorbable products.

More Questions on growing Instant Shade?
Feel free to give us a call at (559) 876 - 2020