A dormant bare root tree is best planted in the spring, after the soil has thawed enough to dig a deep hole. This is especially important in colder regions. The trees' roots need a chance to take hold before the next winter, or they'll suffer from the frost. If you live in a place with mild winters, you can plant apple trees in the fall without worrying that they'll die from the frost before they get a chance to set. Buy a soil testing kit to find out whether you need to adjust your soil's pH. Different apple trees need different types of soil to do well, so talk with a local horticulturist, an expert at your local nursery or your County Extension Center to find out what pH is correct for the apple variety you're growing. Your County Extension Office may also be able to help you test your soil sample. If necessary, amend the soil to adjust the pH level before planting.  You should also adjust the soil to account for nutrient deficiencies. Again, conduct research to find out how rich or poor the soil should be for the variety you're planting. Amend the soil to a depth of 18 inches below the planting hole, so that the tree's roots grow into healthy soil. Apple trees need full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours a day. They like soil that is moist, but not sopping wet. If your soil is clay-heavy or doesn't drain quickly, amend it by working in straw, compost, or another organic material to create better drainage. Using an organic material will also provide nutrients to the tree as it decomposes over time. If you are planting seedlings, which will grow into full-sized trees about thirty feet tall, they should be planted fifteen to eighteen feet apart. If you're planting dwarfing rootstock, plant them four to eight feet apart.  Dwarfing trees tend to fall over under the weight of a heavy flush of apples, so it's a good idea to plant them near something sturdy, like a fence. If no fence is available, you can set up a trellis to support them. If your property is hilly or sloped, plant the trees in higher areas. During the winter, cold air settles in the lower areas, and these "frost pockets" can be harmful to the trees. Use a spade to remove all grass, weeds and stones in a circle about four feet in diameter. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root system. It should be just deep enough so that the tips of the roots graze the bottom of the hole, and the graft union (where the scion is joined to the rootstock) is two inches above the soil line.  Put some of the loose soil back in the hole so it will surround the roots. Loosen the soil on the bottom and sides of the hole so it will be easy for the roots to penetrate as they grow. Position it in the center of the hole. Spread out the roots so they aren't cramped or curled in the hole. Replace soil around the roots to fill in the hole. After you've replaced a few inches of soil, use your fists to tamp down the soil around the roots, so no air pockets will form around the roots. Keep going until the hole is completely filled in.  As you work, check the tree to make sure the trunk is standing upright at a ninety-degree angle to the ground. If you plant the tree crooked, it will grow crooked. Don't add fertilizer to the hole. The soil should have already been amended so that it's nutritious enough for the tree to grow well. Fertilizer could burn the roots. Make sure the graft union is not buried; it must be above the soil. Water the tree well. This removes air pockets and helps the roots and soil make firm contact.
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One-sentence summary -- Plant your trees in the spring. Test the soil. Choose a sunny spot that drains well. Space the trees according to size. Dig a hole. Plant the tree.


One of the keys to making the ends of your hair softer is to keep your hair healthy and strong. In order to do that, you need to choose products that will do the job most effectively. Each person has individual hair needs, so pay close attention to the shampoo and conditioner you use.  If your hair is dry, look for a shampoo that boasts extra hydration. Dryness can be a major factor in keeping your ends looking rough. A lot of people color their hair, and the process of dyeing your hair can cause damage. If you color yours, look for products that offer color protection. Look for a shampoo that lists vitamin H and silk protein in the ingredients.These will help boost shine and silkiness. Try different shampoos and conditioners. Your hair will react differently to each brand, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the one you like best. In order to get extra moisture into your hair, you might need some products that take some time to soak in. Instead of using traditional conditioner that you rinse out right away, use some leave-in products to help smooth out your ends. There are a lot of effective leave-in conditioners you can try.  Look for a light weight spray. A spray conditioner makes it easy to target specific areas, such as the ends of your hair. The benefit of a leave-in conditioner is that it keeps adding moisture to your hair. This makes it much harder for your hair to dry out or develop split ends. If you have fine hair, look for a formula that does not contain oil. Otherwise, you risk weighing your hair down. Leave-in conditioners are great for smoothing out thick out. Since they act as a natural de-tangler, you will do less damage to your hair when combing it out. The chemicals in beauty products can sometimes cause damage to your hair. Consider making your own hair products. There are many natural ingredients that can help you achieve smooth and shiny hair.  Try giving yourself a hot oil treatment. You can use a variety of oils that you probably already have at your house. You can use coconut, olive, avocado, or almond oils. Gently heat a small amount of your chosen oil. Start with about 1/4 cup and heat in the microwave or the stove until the oil is hot, but not too hot to comfortably touch. Before starting the hot oil treatment, wash your hair but don't dry it. When hair is damp, gently massage hot oil into your hair. Wrap your head with a warm towel. Cover that towel with another to help seal in the heat. After an hour, rinse the oil out of your silky hair. Split ends are often a major problem. Fortunately, there are many food items that can be very beneficial for your hair. Head to your kitchen and look for some ingredients to help you give yourself an at home treatment. Try different combinations until you find the ones that work best for your hair.  For example, you can combine the flesh of one avocado with 2 tablespoons of egg whites, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mash together with a fork or spoon until you get a creamy consistency. Apply the mixture to your hair and cover with a shower cap. After 1 hour, rinse your hair and wash with a gentle shampoo. Try using the above method with different ingredients. Another great combination is the flesh of one papaya and 1/2 cup of plain yogurt. You can also use beer to help make your hair silky and smooth. The proteins and sugars provide a lot of beauty benefits. Put beer in a spray bottle and spritz on hair. Rinse thoroughly and then wash with shampoo. If your hair refuses to cooperate, you might need to seek professional help. A professional stylist will have access to products that can not only make your hair shiny and smooth, but the results will last for several weeks or even months. Ask the employees at your salon to recommend a process that is right for you.  One option is to have a chemical straightening treatment. This will give you smooth, shiny locks. Ask your stylist about thermal reconditioning. This is another chemical treatment that is suitable for thicker, curly hair. A Brazilian Keratin treatment is a popular option. It is less harsh than other chemical processes. Chemical treatments can be expensive, so make sure to inquire about price before booking your appointment.
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One-sentence summary --
Find the right shampoo and conditioner. Try leave-in products. Use a natural hot oil treatment. Experiment with food. Get a professional treatment.