Tree and Shrub Basics

Choosing Trees

• If you need shade, buy two of the best shade trees you can afford and place them to the south and west of the house. Leave at least 25 feet between the tree and the house to give shade trees room to spread.
• Select trees for interest in every season of the year. This should include some evergreens and flowering trees. Trees with berries will bring birds to your garden.
• Trees for Screening and Windbreak
• Choosing Small Trees for Small Lots, Patios, and Near Utility Lines

The Basics of Planting Trees

When you plant, always leave a circle clear of plants or grass around the tree. Make the circle at least the diameter of the root ball. This circle will insure that the mower and string trimmer maintain a safe distance from the trunk; they can scrape the bark from trees. Over time, such injuries will weaken or kill a tree.

Mulch Around Trees:

Mulch the circle around the tree with about 2 inches of your favorite organic mulch such as bark. Spread the material carefully to avoid piling it against the trunk. Mulch conserves moisture and helps keep the area weed free. You may need to pull out encroaching grass once or twice a year.

Watering Trees:

Water young trees regularly. Water every week during dry weather. The first one to two years are especially important for roots to become well established.

Fertilizer:

Fertilize at the beginning of the growing season with a product that contains a timed-release fertilizer that lasts many weeks. Repeat according to package directions.

Note About Tree Roots:

Tree roots spread to the tips of the branches, often farther. Compacting the soil, cutting the roots, or changing the level of the soil that covers the roots can slowly kill existing trees. Before doing landscape or home construction or underground utility work, consult an urban forester on how to best work around existing trees and avoid tree problems.

Choosing Shrubs

In any landscape, shrubs are among the most versatile of plants. They offer a variety of sizes, colors, textures and fragrances and can serve as hedges, screens or the backbone of a foundation planting. Before selecting your shrubs, determine the function you want them to serve and ask your local gardener which varieties work best in your climate.

The Basics of Planting Shrubs

Because most shrubs grow quickly, you can count on them for almost an immediate effect on your landscape plan. Plant and care for them properly and most shrubs will reach a mature size in three to five years.

In a new landscape, choose large shrubs for an immediate effect in key areas such as the entrance to your home. Use smaller, more economical plants in areas such as distant beds where size is not as important from the start.

When to Plant Shrubs:

Early spring is the best time to plant your shrubs. Plant as soon as the soil is thawed or dry enough to be worked with. If you live in an area where the ground does not freeze during the winter, it is best to plant your shrubs in the fall. The mixture of warm soil and cool air slows top growth early on, allowing your shrub roots to become better established and grow deep.

Healthy Soils:

Add organic soil amendments (i.e. compost, peat moss, planting mix) throughout the entire bed at planting. Work a two to three inch layer of amendments into the top eight inches of your soil.

Plant Depth:

Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball, but two times its width. This added width allows the roots to spread laterally and offers a softer soil base for early growth. Set plants so that the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the soil.

Watering Shrubs:

Always water the shrub the day before you plant to be sure the root ball is moist and healthy. After planting, water your shrubs regularly during the first year to ensure the roots are well established and grow to their potential. Shrubs with thin, fibrous roots such as azaleas will dry out quickly and suffer dying branches if stressed by drought.

Fertilizer:

Fertilize at the beginning of the growing season, especially while the plant matures during the first three to five years. For best results, use a timed-release product that feeds gradually for three, six or nine months.

Mulch:

To reduce weeds, conserve moisture and insulate the soil around shrubs, use one to two inches of bark or pine needles as organic mulch for your shrubs. Renew mulch in fall if needed and be sure to avoid piling mulch next to the base of your plants.