When shopping for a new specimen for your yard it is important to consider all the variables that go along with the spot your planning on planting it, as well as the needs of the plant you purchase. The conditions in your yard will narrow your search.
Such conditions as your hardiness zone, amount of sun light, amount of wind, type of soil, space restrictions. Planting a tree that has a max height of 100′ in your planter box below your front window might not be a good idea. Understanding the maximum size of the plant you plan to buy will help you find a suitable location for it in the landscape. Be sure to do plenty of research and read the information provided on the tag before purchasing anything.
Now that you have wisely chosen a plant, its time to prep the hole that your going to be plunking it in. This is more than just digging a hole, placing the tree in and piling the soil back on top. Its important we give the new addition a good chance to have a healthy long life.
There are steps to be taken when planting. First dig your hole 2-3 times wider than the rootball or container size. The roots need to be able to penetrate the new soil and easily stretch out to take a solid hold on its new surroundings. Similarly, you want to dig the hole as deep as the root ball or container size. You don’t want to plant too deep as this will suffocate the trunk and cause disease and eventually death.
Some trees and shrubs benefit from being planted with bonemeal. Remove the container or burlap and twine and gently place the plant in the hole. Surround the rootball with a mixture of the existing soil and some fresh soil.
Once in the ground it is important to put mulch around the base. The mulch will help keep the temperature lower in the summer and it will keep in the warmth in the winter. It retains moisture and prevents weeds as well. Mulch also provides nutrients for the roots as it decomposes on the surface.
It is critical to water the plant right after planting and continue a watering schedule until the plant is established, approximately one growing season. Staking may be necessary in windy areas but usually not needed if you plant it properly. You should use wood steaks and place them on either side of the rootball, not in the rootball. Use an arbor tie or thick material, tie the tree at 1/2 the height and don’t tie it too tightly. The steaks and tie should be removed after the first season of growth.
If these simple steps are followed you should have a happy healthy plant growing in your yard to enjoy for many years.
