After digging a deep and thorough planting hole, fill the bottom with surface soil mixed with organic fertilizer to a height of 20–30 cm from the edge of the hole. Then, pour water into the hole until it fully infiltrates the soil. Place the seedling’s roots on the wet soil, fill the hole with soil, and gently press it down to ensure good contact. This planting method ensures that the soil around the root zone remains moist, allowing water to move upward and backward through the soil. This promotes better air circulation, helps the roots recover quickly, and significantly increases the survival rate of the seedlings.
Once the seedlings are planted, cover them with plastic bags that are longer than the height of the seedling. Secure the bags from top to bottom and bury the lower edges in the soil to protect against wind and sun. This reduces leaf transpiration and prevents wilting, helping the seedlings retain moisture during the critical early stages.
For dry, sandy hillside plantings, use the stone-pressing soil protection method. After planting and watering, cover the base of the seedling with small stones or pebbles within a 1 m² area, with a thickness of 6–10 cm. This technique prevents wind erosion, stops rain runoff, blocks sunlight, improves water infiltration, and reduces evaporation. It helps maintain soil moisture, insulates the roots, and enhances the survival rate of the seedlings.
The chemical water retention method involves applying a polymer-based water-absorbent material to the roots. Soak the roots in a 1%–2% solution of the polymer before planting, or mix the polymer into the planting hole soil before placing the seedling. The polymer can absorb up to 500–1,000 times its weight in water and slowly releases it during dry periods, keeping the roots moist and improving drought resistance. After planting, apply a 0.01%–0.05% aspirin solution as a foliar spray or for watering to further reduce water loss and enhance the tree's resilience.
During transportation and storage, seedlings with water-soaked roots should be wrapped in moist mulch to prevent root drying and branch wilting. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 12–24 hours to ensure they are fully hydrated. Then, dip the roots in a mixture of 1% superphosphate and 40 units of rooting powder. This helps retain moisture, encourages root development, and speeds up the establishment of the seedlings.
For transplanting fruit trees in areas with limited water supply, use the "water-sweeping bag" method. Fill plastic bags with water and place them tightly around strong, healthy roots. Position 2–3 water bags in different directions around each tree. Carefully bury the bags in the soil without breaking them, so the roots can gradually absorb the water, improving survival chances.
Another effective method is soaking the roots in a sweet and sour liquid before planting. Dip the roots in a 5% sucrose solution or a 1%–2% vinegar solution to increase cell concentration and organic acid content. This boosts root activity and significantly improves the survival rate of the seedlings.
For evergreen saplings, use the leafless, grass-moisturizing method. Prune mature autumn shoots, sparse branches, diseased or weak branches, and dense branches, removing about 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves to reduce transpiration. After planting, cover the planting area with thick layers of wet straw, fresh corn stalks, or sorghum stalks (6–10 cm thick) to keep the soil moist. This helps the roots withstand drought and promotes faster recovery and growth.