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PLANT YOUR LANDSCAPE |
| HOME: TREES: PLANTING TREES AND SHRUBS |
Three Categories of Plant Problems Common Plant Problems UI Publications on Plant Problems Why Prune? When to Prune? Two Basic Types of Pruning Cuts Location of Pruning Cuts Pruning Tools More Information Time of Year to Plant Special Planting Needs Planting Instructions More Information Instruction for Specific Plants Why Fertilize Landscape Trees Soil Types Diagnosing Nutrient Problems When to Fertilize Determining Fertilizer Quantities More Information Insects Diseases Physiological |
Time
of Year to Plant - Early spring and early fall are the best times of the year to plant because plant shoot growth is minimal and roots have time to become established after planting. Bare root plants should be planted before bud break in March, April or May. Balled and burlapped and container plants can be planted anytime of the year as long as the soil is not frozen. However, early spring or early fall are still considered the best times to install these types of nursery plants. Where to Plant Other questions to consider are:
Many of the resources listed below provide information to help homeowners answer these questions. Special Planting Needs - 
The planting hole diameter should be two times the diameter of the root ball. The minimum planting hole diameter can be 12 inches wider than the root system and the maximum can be up to five times the root system diameter. The sides of the planting hole should be vertical. If the sides of the planting hole appear shiny or glazed, rough up the edges with a shovel to loosen the soil before planting. Before adding soil back into the planting hole, make sure that roots are not kinked or circling. Start adding soil in three to four inch layers lightly firming the soil between layers by lightly stepping on the soil. Backfill soil may be mixed with organic matter at a rate of 3 parts soil to 1 part organic matter to help improve soil texture of medium or fine textured soil. Adding organic matter to the backfill soil is not always recommended, especially in a heavy clay, since sometimes roots will not leave a richly amended hole to grow into the adjacent inferior soil, and circling of roots may occur. Avoid covering the top of the root ball with backfill soil. Make a 2 to 3 inch soil berm around the edge of the planting hole to form a shallow basin. Water the plant in well by filling the basin with water. In heavy clay soils, watch that this berm drains within a couple of hours. Fertilization is not recommended at time of planting. Once the plant is well watered in, apply a layer of mulch 2 to 3 inches thick to the basin, avoiding placing mulch against the base of the trunk. For more information on planting trees and shrubs see: Planting Landscape Plants 1995 EB 1505 Price: $1.00 html version available online Landscaping and Utilities: Problems, Prevention, and Plant Selection 1994 CIS 991 Price: $1.00 PDF version available online Plant Materials for Landscaping 1999 PNW 500 Price: $2.50 PDF version available online Other useful sites on planting trees and shrubs USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Cold Hardiness Ratings for Selected Woody Plants Planting and Maintaining Trees & Shrubs Proper Application of Mulch Around Trees and Shrubs Preparation and Planting of Landscape Plants, HYG-1014-97 Selecting and Planting Trees Hawthorns In The Landscape, HYG-1051-88 |
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