In order to make sure that your trees and shrubs thrive and provide you years of enjoyment, you need to do some planning before planting. For trees, think about the maximum size and whether the tree will invade power lines, the roots will grow into sewer lines, or under the sidewalk and cause it to crack. For shrubs, consider the maximum size and see if that will block windows or access to a necessary faucet or other needed area. Make sure that the shrub or tree you want to grow can survive in the area you want to plant it. Is there enough sun, is the plant tolerate of wet areas or dry areas, is the plant tolerate of local diseases?
Purchasing PlantsWhen you get ready to buy your plants, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer. The best place to buy them is at a nursery that is open all year and will be there if you have a problem or need advice. Beware bargain plants. They may end up dying or causing a major headache which costs more than it would have cost to buy a good plant. Make sure that your plant is tolerant of local diseases and that you don’t plant it where other trees and shrubs have. Diseases sit in the soil and will attack the new plant just as they attacked the old plant.
Into the Ground
How do you plant your new tree or shrub? Here are seven easy steps to perfect planting.
- Dig a hole large enough in diameter so that the root system has at least six inches of clearance on all sides. Don’t dig the hole deeper than the ball or top of the soil in a container plant.
- Plant the tree or shrub slightly above the level of the surrounding soil so that water runs away from the plant during a rain storm.
- Carefully place the tree or shrub in the hole. Handle the plant by the root ball, not by the trunk. Always remove any container before you plant.
- Backfill the hole, using only the soil that was removed from the hole when you dug it. Do not use soil amendments when planting trees or shrubs. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and to eliminate any air pockets.
- Do not fertilize your tree or shrub after planting. Wait until early spring to fertilize, and then go lightly. Heavy applications of fertilizer may burn the root system, which can kill the plant.
- You need to water the plant properly. Soak the root ball and surrounding soil when planting. Water every seven to ten days and give the plant at least an inch of water when you water. More plants die from overwatering than underwatering, as wet soil can encourage disease.
- Put four to six inches of mulch around the base of newly planted trees and shrubs. This will help conserve moisture. Leave a gap around the tree or shrub so no mulch touches the plant, as that, too, can promote disease.
If you follow these hints, you should have beautiful plants for years to come.
