Planted 4 trees yesterday...how big should root ball be?

[2K2 LS1]

I planted 2 apple and 2 pear trees yesterday after work and kinda thought the root balls were kinda small. No larger than then size of a fist. Is this normal? I planted all 4 how the nursery told me to. 1 part tree and shrub mix, 1 part planting soil, and 1 part natural(original) soil. I also supported them with a t bar stake for the time being. I am just now hesitant that they won't take the planting process. Time shall tell. ANyone else have experience planting such trees. They are saplings only about 5'-6' tall.

[bard]

Better support two other sides or the next wind will blow them over. A fist?

[UserX]

My Dad always told me, "For a $20 tree, dig a $40 hole." I hope that helps LOL.

[2K2 LS1]

My Dad always told me, "For a $20 tree, dig a $40 hole." I hope that helps LOL.

Hole is twice the size of the plastic tub it came in!

[mustangguy289]

My Dad always told me, "For a $20 tree, dig a $40 hole." I hope that helps LOL.

What if it is on sale?

[2K2 LS1]

Better support two other sides or the next wind will blow them over. A fist?

The T bars are going no where. They are the ones that ranchers use for fencing

[zemog]

you planted it as a bare root tree, no root ball, just keep it watered and supported , you can build a berm around the dug hole area to keep water in, as a gauge, and mulch it to maintain moisture

[bcoop]

you planted it as a bare root tree, no root ball, just keep it watered and supported , you can build a berm around the dug hole area to keep water in, as a gauge, and mulch it to maintain moisture

Yep. This is what I did with my magnolia and my Redbud.

[miketyler]

I was always told the hole needs to be 2-3 times the size of the bucket the tree is in.

[bard]

The T bars are going no where. They are the ones that ranchers use for fencing

I don't doubt the post is solid, but one post only supports from one side. The whole idea is to keep the root ball stable until it roots completely.

[2K2 LS1]

I don't doubt the post is solid, but one post only supports from one side. The whole idea is to keep the root ball stable until it roots completely.

I used bailing wire too Do I need to still support on multiple sides?

[zemog]

4 stakes, the wind blows from all directions and wrap something protective around the wire or string so you dont cut the tree

[bcoop]

Don't forget to water in some root stimulator as well.

[2K2 LS1]

Don't forget to water in some root stimulator as well.

More than what was in the tree/shrub soil I bought?

[miketyler]

I think those were just nutrients to keep the plant healthy while it was in the container. Doubtful they would put root stimulator while its potted in the nursery. We just planted two red Maples yesterday and plan to follow up today with root stimulator.