[From “Extension Notes: Careful handing and Planting of Nursery Stock” issued by the Government of Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources]

The future of the forest is in your hands.

• Choose the best site, do not plant seedlings where there are water-holes, stumps or rocks and do not plant more than one tree per hole
• Make sure the hole is deep enough for the root system
• Carefully remove only one tree at a time (separate roots by shaking loose in the bag) and plant immediately
• Lay the roots straight down in the hole in a natural arrangement — do not bunch, twist, double-over, or bend them
• Keep organic matter, stones, and twigs out of the hole (unless the soil itself is organic). They create air pockets that dry out roots
• Plant seedlings slightly above the root collar swelling.
• Tamp soil with the toe (not the heel) to remove air pockets
• For container stock, handle seedlings by the plug (not the stem)
• Plant upright and cover the plug with soil. Do not bury live branches or foliage, or leave any roots exposed to the air
• Take pride in a job well done

This is the Part 2 in our Caring for your Maple Series:
< Part 1: Transportation, storage and handling of your seedlings