Green Mammoth Nursery

 Planting your new Grafted Pawpaw Trees

1.  Before Planting:

- Arrival Care: Once your grafted pawpaw tree has made it home, check that the root zone is hydrated. If needed, water it thoroughly to ensure it is evenly moist. Keep the tree in a shaded, cool area if you cannot plant immediately, and check the soil moisture regularly. Do not submerge the pot in water.

2.  Site Selection:

- Drainage: Select a location with well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Avoid low areas where water tends to collect and remain after rain. To test drainage, dig a small hole and fill it with water; if it doesn’t drain within 24 hours, consider finding a different spot.

- Sunlight: Choose a site that receives full sun, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid areas with excessive shade or strong drying winds.

3.  Planting Instructions:

- Digging the Hole:

Dimensions: Dig a hole that is 18-24 inches wide and 18 inches deep. For clay or heavy soils, make the hole 2-3 times wider than the root mass to improve root growth.

Soil Preparation: Keep the soil removed from the hole on a clean tarp or a piece of cardboard. This helps in returning it to the planting zone properly. Do not mix fertilizers or other amendments into the planting hole.

-  Planting the Tree:

Removing the Tree: Gently remove the tree from its container. Because the container is plastic, you may need to squeeze or tap it to release the root mass. Another option is to carefully cut the pot away with something razor sharp to disturb the roots as little as possible.

Positioning: Place the tree in the center part of the hole at about the same depth as it was in the pot. Ensure the root crown (where the roots meet the trunk) is level with or slightly below the soil surface. If any roots could be seen emerging from the trunk when the plant was in the container make sure they are covered when planting in the ground.

Backfilling: Fill the hole with the native soil, starting with the topsoil. Carefully firm the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets, but avoid compacting it too tightly. Keep in mind that trees may settle slightly after watering, so make sure you gently compact the soil to add stability and prevent sinking. You can make a slight mound around the edge of the hole to help with water drainage and absorption.

4.  Post-Planting Care:

- Watering:

Initial Watering: Water the tree thoroughly immediately after planting. Apply 4-5 gallons of water, ensuring it soaks deeply into the root zone. You may mix 1-2 cups of kelp extract per 5 gallons of water to support recovery.

Ongoing Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season, especially in dry periods. Water deeply once or twice a week, but avoid overwatering.

- Mulching:

Application: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, extending 3-4 feet out. Use organic mulch like wood chips, straw, or leaves. Maintain a gap between the mulch and the tree trunk to prevent rot.

Benefits: Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.

- Providing Shade:

Temporary Shade: We recommend providing temporary shade for the first few months using stakes and a lightweight fabric like a white t-shirt or shade cloth. This minimizes transplant shock and protects the tree from excessive heat.

- Fertilization:

Timing: Wait until the second year to begin fertilizing. In the first year, focus on ensuring proper soil moisture and mulch.

Types: Use organic fertilizers like compost or diluted fish emulsion. Apply compost and other organic fertilizers around the drip line of the tree canopy in early spring and again in early summer.

- Weed and Grass Control:

Weed Management: Regularly remove weeds and grass within a 2-foot radius around the tree to prevent competition for resources. Use mulch to suppress weed growth and reduce maintenance.

- Tree Training and Care:

Pruning: Prune the tree to shape its growth and remove any damaged or crossing branches. Proper pruning enhances tree structure and health.

Graft Care: Monitor the graft union for any growth below the graft line. You can identify the graft line as the N shaped scar in the portion of the tree painted white. It can be helpful to mark the location of the graft every year or two with a paint pen because as the tree continues to grow this scar can become difficult to find.  Remove any shoots below the graft line or suckers emerging from the ground around the base to maintain the health of the grafted portion.

- Protection:

Staking: If needed, stake the tree to provide support and prevent wind damage. Use bamboo or wooden stakes and tie the tree loosely with soft ties.

Graft Protection: Be careful around the graft union to avoid damage. Remember to continue to mark the graft line with paint to track its location and condition (very important).

- Seasonal Care:

Winter: Apply additional mulch in late fall to insulate the root zone from frost. In colder months, take measures to prevent winter damage. This includes protection from southwest injury, desiccation from freezing wind, and threats from deer, rabbits and rodents.

Summer: Adjust watering and shading as needed to keep the tree healthy and reduce heat stress.

By following these detailed instructions, you’ll help ensure that your grafted pawpaw tree establishes well and thrives in its new environment.

Happy planting and please let us know if you have any questions.

A big THANK YOU from your friends at GREEN MAMMOTH NURSERY.