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Introduction to TREES & SHRUBS |
Careful planning ensures :
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| Shrubs
and trees are the cornerstone of good landscaping. They add value to
your home as well as year-round interest, enjoyment and beauty.
Getting your new trees and shrubs off to a good start is critical to
their development. The following recommendations will help you plant
correctly and ensure desirable growth habits and shapes.
WHERE: The mature size of the plant should determine its planting site. Make sure there's plenty of room for the shrub or tree to grow and flourish. Select narrow or smaller trees or shrubs for limited-space landscapes. It's a common mistake to place large trees and shrubs too close to house and power lines, particularly when the mature plant size is not considered or known. Planting at the correct distance away from house or power lines will prevent possible damage to the structures and plants. Consult one of LOUISIANA NURSERY'S certified professionals for specific plants to meet your needs. The
planting site should have excellent drainage. It should not be in a
location where water will stand. Relocation to another spot a
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HOW: The planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball.
(illustration A.) Container-grown plants should be carefully removed by
tapping or squeezing the container. Trees and shrubs with their root
balls wrapped in burlap can be placed directly in the ground without
removing the burlap. The burlap will break down in a short period of
time. However, after placing the plant in the ground, be sure to cut any
strings that may be
tied around the trunk. Do this after placing the plant in the ground.
Once planted the top of the root ball should be flush with the ground.
If the plant is too low, remove it and soil to the bottom of the hole.
If the plant is too high , then remove it and deepen the hole. If you're
Planting in areas with poor drainage, keep the top of the root ball
slightly above ground level. Planting too deeply is a sure way to stress
the plants and kill them.
Once your tree or shrub is at the correct planting height, make sure it's standing straight in the planting hole.. It's not necessary to add soil-improving amendments to this back-filled soil. Because the roots will have to grow in the adjacent soil, it's best to set the plant in the same soil initially. Recent studies have shown that when amendments are added, roots tend to stay in the planting area only, and not spread out to anchor the plant. This makes the plant much more susceptible to being uprooted by strong winds.
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WHEN:
Certain times are better than others, however. A general rule of thumb
is to plant them when you know they won't have to endure excessive
stress. Planting in fall, winter and early spring allows roots to grow
and develop. Beginning this slow process at a low stress time of year
helps the plants become established before summer begins.
few feet away may avoid a potential problem. If the planting site cannot
be relocated and is in a low-lying area, add soil to the site to
re-grade it. If the plant can't be relocated and the area has poor
drainage, install a system of underground pipe at root level. This will
distribute the standing water to other areas, away from the planting
site. It's an important consideration that's all too often neglected.
