Although you can plant container-grown or burlap-wrapped trees and shrubs year-round, they really thrive when planted in the fall. Plant roots will grow whenever the soil temperature is above 40 degrees F, which is often the case during our winters. This allows the plant to develop a good root system so it can take advantage of the spring growing season. It also allows the root system to grow deep into the soil so the plant can survive the hot summer. Bare-root plants should be planted in December and January, when they are completely dormant, so I’ll discuss them in another column.

To ensure that your trees and shrubs thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment, you need to do a little planning before you plant. For trees, think about maximum size and if the tree will encroach on power lines, roots will grow into sewer lines or under the sidewalk and cause it to crack. For bushes, consider the maximum size and see if that will block windows or access to a necessary faucet or other necessary area. Make sure the shrub or tree you want to grow can survive in the area where you want to plant it. Is there enough sun, does the plant tolerate wet or dry areas, does the plant tolerate local diseases?

When you’re ready to buy your plants, make sure you buy them from a reputable dealer. The best place to buy them is from a nursery that is open year-round and will be there if you have a problem or need advice. Beware of supply plants. They can end up dying or causing a huge headache that costs more than it would have cost to buy a good plant. Make sure your plant is tolerant to local diseases and that you don’t plant it where other trees and shrubs have died, especially if cotton root rot is what killed them. Diseases settle in the soil and will attack the new plant just as they attacked the old.

How do you plant your new tree or shrub? Here are seven easy steps to a perfect planting.

  1. Dig a hole large enough in diameter so that the root system has at least six inches of clearance on all sides. Don’t dig the hole deeper than the ball or top of the soil in a container plant.
  2. Plant the tree or shrub slightly above the surrounding ground level so that water will escape from the plant during a rain storm.
  3. Carefully place the tree or bush in the hole. Handle the plant by the root ball, not by the trunk. Always remove any container before planting.
  4. Fill in the hole, using only the soil that was removed from the hole when you dug it. Do not use soil amendments when planting trees or shrubs. Water liberally to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets.
  5. Don’t fertilize your tree or shrub after you plant it. Wait until early spring to fertilize, and then do so lightly. Heavy fertilizer applications can burn the root system, which can kill the plant.
  6. You need to water the plant properly. Soak the root ball and surrounding soil at planting. Water every seven to ten days and give the plant at least an inch of water when you water. More plants die from overwatering than from underwatering, as wet soil can foster disease.
  7. Place four to six inches of mulch around the base of newly planted trees and shrubs. This will help conserve moisture. Leave some space around the tree or shrub so the mulch doesn’t touch the plant, as that can also promote disease.

If you follow these tips, you should have beautiful plants for years to come. Visit your nursery and plant away for spring.

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