How To

Trees should be planted during the spring for most tree species, followed by fall, and then summer. If you decide to plant during the summer, first take into consideration the amount of watering that you will need to do. Extra watering is vital during the hot summer weather. Choose the correct site for the tree, determining the amount of sunlight, shade, and space that it requires. Make sure that the planting location you choose has good drainage qualities. Level the site prior to planting the roots if it is necessary. Do not bury the tree roots in later-added soil.

Amend soils with the incorrect pH levels as necessary. Add lime to raise the acidic level, and use elemental sulfur to lower the amount of alkaline. It is possible to improve the soil to the desired levels, but it is much easier in the long run to just choose a tree that will suit well within the native soil.

Dig a hole. It should be a little less deep than the root ball but twice as wide. Angle the walls of the hole outward toward the top. When in place, the top of the root ball should be slightly above the level of the surrounding soil.

Position the tree in the the hole. This should be done prior to removing the burlap or container. Remove the plastic pots by cutting and gently sliding it from beneath the tree.

Amend your soil. This will improve the backfill. Add a rich organic compost or garden soil. Mix one part tree & shrub soil to two parts native soil for best results. compost & manure can also be added.

Backfill the planting hole to the level of the top of the root ball. Slope the soil away from the trunk in order to level the surrounding soil.

Create a 2-4 inch tall lip around the perimeter of the planting hole. This will act as a water basin.

Fill the collective basin with water until the ground is loose and muddy in order to eliminate any air pockets. This is the best time to slightly re-position the tree if needed.

Mulch around the tree in order to control weeds and to help regulate water amounts.

Water frequently until the tree is completely established, especially on hot and dry days.

New shrubs like to be planted in spring or fall, and most prefer loose, fertile soil that drains well and has a modestly acidic to neutral pH in the 6.0 to 7.0 range. Deciduous shrubs should be planted when dormant, usually in early spring before new leaves emerge or in late fall after old leaves have been shed. To plant container grown shrubs, just follow these simple steps:

Determine soil qualities. If the soil of the planting site is overly acidic or alkaline for the type of shrub you've selected, amend it beforehand by adding lime (to raise the pH of acidic soil) or elemental sulfur (to lower the pH of alkaline soil) as necessary.

Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly less deep as the rootball of the shrub, angling the walls of the hole outward toward the top and making sure the bottom of the hole is firm, yet drains well.

Remove the shrub from the container. Inspect the rootball and snip off or pull away any roots that are circled, matted or tangled. Also, trim any dangling root ends to prevent them from becoming bent or tangled when the rootball is placed in the hole.

Place the shrub in the planting hole so that it is centered in the space and stands straight and tall. The top of the rootball should be slightly above the level of the surrounding soil. If it is at or below that level, add some soil to the bottom of the hole and reposition the rootball.

Improve the backfill soil you've dug from the hole by amending with rich, organic materials such as compost or a Premium Garden Soil. If planting in spring, add a complete, slow release fertilizer, such as Schultz® Nursery Plus™ Slow Release Plant Food, to the backfill soil. Backfill the planting hole to the level of the top of the rootball, sloping the soil away from the trunk to the level of the surrounding soil.

Create a 2-4 inch lip around the perimeter of the planting hole to act as a catch basin for water.

Fill the collection basin with water until the ground is loose and muddy in order to eliminate air pockets. If the shrub needs to be re-positioned slightly, do so at this time by gently jiggling it into place.

Mulch around the shrub to retain moisture and prevent encroachment by weeds and invasive lawn grasses. Also, water frequently until the shrub has become well established, especially if the foliage shows signs of withering or curling during the heat of the day.

Most shrubs can be grown from stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The timing and type of cuttings varies widely, though. For best chances of success, consult a nursery professional for the right time and best method for removing cuttings from your favorite shrubs.

One of the easiest ways to grow a new plant from the parent shrub is to leave the stem attached to the plant.

1. Choose a low-hanging stem and make a shallow wound 6-12” from the stem tip.

2. Apply a rooting hormone to the wound, and then pull the stem down so it is in contact with the soil.

3. Mound a little soil over the wounded area and secure with a brick or wire hook so it remains intact.

Roots will grow from the wounded area in a few weeks to months. After they develop simply cut the stem at a point between the new roots and the parent plant, and replant your new shrub!