I would leave them there thru this year. Go around the base with a pointed ax handle or similar at or outside the drip zone. Punch a hole down about 2 ft. and every 3 ft. around the base. Pour a cup or 2 of regular cheap 13-13-13 in the hole and cover. The fert. will work it's way down, the roots will go after it and give you a good footing. Fill each hole up with water and let it seep out before filling in.
I kind of wallow the hole out with the handle every few inches that it is driven so as to get it out easier and give more volume to take in water. I would fill the holes in with bank sand so any rain water can percolate down.
Last edited by burgermeister; 03/01/10 11:56 AM.
