Planting trees and shrubs
is not as hard as many people think. A common misnomer is that
you have to dig a deep hole. That is not always the case.
Following some simple procedures can insure a successful planting:
1. Location: Choose a location
with adequate light for the type of tree you are planting. Leave
enough growth room to accommodate the full growth potential of the
tree. It is important that the placement of the tree is cohesive
with the water needs of the species of tree you are planting.
Make sure the root spread of the tree will not cause any damage to a
house foundation or an underground septic or utility system.
2. Container or Root Ball: Either
type of root enclosure is a secure system. When planting out of a
container, it is best to use a box knife and cut the container off of
the root ball. This will decrease the amount of shock the plant
goes through and be easier on you and the plant than tugging off the
container, as they are often times very heavy. When planting a
root ball wrapped in burlap, there are varying opinions on the how to
plant. If the root ball is small enough, you can remove the
entire burlap enclosure and place the plant into the ground. If
it is too large, then place the entire root ball in the ground and cut
off the top part of burlap enclosure. This allows for adequate
water and carbon dioxide transfer to the entire root system. The
most important element is to leave the entire root ball intact when
placing in the ground. This will diminish any damage to the root
system. It is also a good idea to massage the roots when placing
the root ball in the ground. With a gloved hand, lightly massage
the roots all over the root ball. This essentially wakes them up
and gets them ready to grow. If the roots have become root bound
in the container and are encircling the root ball, you may need to
score the roots. Taking a box knife, make a ¼ inch deep
slit up the side of the root ball in four places. This will allow
them to grow out instead of around the ball.
3.
Hole Preparation: The hole when dug should be twice as
wide as the size of container or root ball. The depth of the hole
varies on the plant. Whether in a root ball or a container, you
want the soil level in the container or on top of the root ball to be
flush or slightly above the plane of your existing soil. The important
element is to not bury the crown of the plant. That must be above
the soil level to keep it from rotting.
4.
Amending Soil: When planting, it maybe necessary to amend
the soil in order to increase moisture retention or to increase
drainage. In order to help the common clay soil hold water, it is
good to add some topsoil, peat moss, or organic compost to the
hole. When amending, use at most a fifty-fifty mix of the
backfill soil and the additional soil. If you need to increase
drainage, you can dig the hole a little deeper and add a layer of
gravel or small rocks to the bottom of the hole. This will allow
water to wisk away from the roots. You can also mix sand into the
soil, which will help with drainage.
5.
Fertilizing: It is good to fertilize all plants in your
yard throughout the growing season. When first planted, it is
good to use a standard fertilizer or root stimulator to invigorate the
roots. You may then continue to use the standard liquid
fertilizer or use a granular fertilizer that will feed over a 3-4 month
time period. You want to cease fertilizing in mid-August to
encourage hardening off of new growth.
6.
Mulching: It is best to add a 4-inch layer of mulch to
any new planting. This will help the soil hold moisture and will
decompose over time offering organic nutrients into the soil and the
plant. It is best to leave a little bowl around the base of the
tree or shrub with the mulch. This will allow water to gather
there and feed directly down into the root system.
7. Watering: Newly planted trees
and shrubs require roughly one inch of water per week when
mulched. It is critical that they stay neither too wet nor too
dry, but evenly moist and well drained. If it is raining often,
there is less need to water. If it is drought like, it is up to
you to water.
Planting
