Planting a tree using long-fibered sphagnum moss

Newly planted trees require a great deal of water because the root system needs to be encouraged to expand beyond the area of the root ball. In addition, the new surrounding soil does not often contain the moisture that the tree became accustomed to while waiting in the nursery for a new home. To aid trees in the traumatic transition to a new location, nurseries highly suggest that the newly planted tree receive several hours of water each day for several weeks or more. This can be time consuming and expensive, since much of the water is wasted because it seeps below the root line.

The unique water retentive properties of Mosser Lee’s long-fibered sphagnum moss provides an easy and inexpensive method of nurturing your tree to its new home without wasting your time and water.

What you will need:

• 5 gallon bucket
• 4 - 432 cubic inch bags or one Mini Bale of Mosser Lee’s Long-Fibered Sphagnum Moss
• Water from a garden hose
• Water soluble fertilizer recommended by your nursery for your tree
• Rubber gloves
• Shovel
• Your new tree

Procedure: (put on your gloves)

1. Find a suitable location for your tree
2. Follow your nursery’s instructions for digging the hole. Make sure that it is deep enough for the tree collar to sit at or above the soil line when filled and as wide as twice the size of the tree ball. (Photo 1)
3. Fill the bucket halfway with water and add the fertilizer according to the directions on the fertilizer package.
4. Place all the moss in the bucket and squeeze the water through the moss to make sure that it is completely wet. You may need to add more water. (Photo 2)
5. Place about a third of the wet moss in the bottom of the hole and place the tree in the hole.
6. Take half of the remaining wet moss and distribute it around the inside sides of the hole. (Photo 3)
7. Cover the moss with dirt. (Photo 4)
8. Water the area with a hose (Photo 5)
9. Cut back as much of the burlap and wire as possible from the tree ball. (Photo 6)
10. Add the rest of the wet moss on top of the dirt (Photo 7)
11. Cover the moss with dirt up to the lawn level (Photo 8)
12. Add more water to the root ball (Photo 9)
13. Place mulch on top of the soil. (Photo 10)

The moss with hold the moisture next to the roots, exactly where it needs to be and will rehydrate as you water the tree. The water and fertilizer in the moss with help nourish your tree for about three week depending on the rain and type of soil. After a week, give your tree about 15–30 minutes of watering each day.