Trees & Large Shrubs (Establishment & Care Recipe)

Ingredients

Nantucket Gold Compost™

Existing native soil

OMRI-listed organic fertilizer (optional, low and slow)

Water

Directions for new trees & shrubs

Plant tree or shrub directly into existing soil. (Do not backfill the hole with straight compost.)

After planting, create a wide ring of Nantucket Gold™ Compost:

• 1–2 inches deep

• Extend 12–24 inches beyond the root ball

Keep compost 6 inches away from the trunk or main stems.

Water deeply.

Directions for established trees & shrubs

Apply 1 inch of Nantucket Gold™ Compost in a wide ring under the canopy.

Keep material well away from the trunk or stems.

Water if soil is dry.

Optional Fertilizer (use sparingly)

Apply only if plants show signs of stress or poor growth

Choose an OMRI-listed, low-analysis fertilizer (≈ 3-4-4 or similar)

Apply once in early spring, at label rate*

Timing

Spring: planting and recovery

Fall: root growth and soil rebuilding

Anytime: soil health support (no fertilizer)

Why it works

Trees and shrubs establish stronger roots when surrounded by native soil. Compost applied at the surface improves soil biology, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling without encouraging shallow roots or trunk rot.

Pro Tips for Tree Care

❌ Do not pile compost against trunks (“volcano mulching”)

❌ Do not plant trees into compost

❌ Do not over-fertilize

Hole digging 101: Wide and shallow beats deep and close.

*Important Notice on Product Application

While Nantucket Gold™ Natural Compost is OMRI Listed and produced to the highest quality standards, the successful health of your garden depends on the precise application of all soil amendments.

Oyster Environmental and its affiliates are not responsible for the improper mixing or over-application of any fertilizers with our compost. Users must read, follow and understand all labeled rates provided by fertilizer manufacturers carefully.