Spring planting: How to plan when you're adding trees and shrubs to your outdoor space
It's a great time to plant a tree or shrub; they add beauty and value to your landscape.
Consider these tips as you plant.
Proper selection
Be sure to consider the mature size, it's canopy form (the shape of the top), the growing requirements (i.e., does it like sun or shade), and the root growth pattern (i.e., will roots interfere with things like a building foundation or a well).
Trees and shrubs come in three different forms: bare-root, containerized, or burlapped. Prices are different for each form and there are slight differences in how to plant them.
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When and how to plant
Spring is the best time to plant. Be sure that the soil is workable and not overly wet. You should plant as soon as possible after purchase.
Other tips
Always dig planting holes wider, not deeper, twice the width of the size of the root ball. Remove all twine, wire, or plastic before backfilling the planting hole; remove at least one-third of any burlap. Keeping the plant well watered is critical, especially the first year. Mulching the tree will help to maintain soil moisture. Mulch wide and not deep; two to three inches of mulch is plenty. Avoid "mulch volcanoes" and keep the mulch away from the trunk or shrub crown.
The University of Minnesota Extension Service College of Natural Resources has an excellent booklet "Planting Trees and Shrubs for Long-Term Health" which can be downloaded for no charge. This booklet will show you how to plant each different form of tree and shrub and how best to take care of them. Visit https://conservancy.umn.edu/ and then type in the title of the booklet in the search line.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to homeandgarden@cornell.edu or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name and phone number. Questions are answered weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, visit our website at http://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext. 100.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Spring planting tips: How to ensure healthy tree, shrub growth
