Garden Projects - Trees & Shrubs |
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Planting Trees
National Gardening Association Editors
Buy trees and shrubs bare-root, in containers, or with roots and soil wrapped in burlap. Bare-root plants are the most economical. There's no heavy soil to manage or containers to plant. But bare-root plants, which include only deciduous or otherwise dormant plants such as roses and fruit trees, are usually available only from winter to early spring. You can buy plants in containers and burlap throughout the growing season. Plants in containers are usually the most convenient to purchase but you may compromise the cost, ease of handling, and availability. Plants with roots wrapped in burlap may be heavy and difficult to handle. Here are the steps for planting a tree.
Tools and Materials
• Tape measure
• Tree or shrub
• Shovel or spade
• Water and nozzle
• Bark or other organic mulch
Site the Tree. Research the mature size of your tree and measure to locate the hole at the proper site. For example, measure a circle 6 feet across, if the plant label says the tree will spread to 6 feet. Note its height in relation to your house, windows, overhead wires, and views. Mark the center of the planting hole where the mature plant can grow without rubbing against buildings or obstructing utilities, traffic, or desirable views.
Dig the hole. Measure the depth and width of the soil in your tree's container. Dig a hole to that depth and two to three times wider. Pile the excavated soil to the side to be used later. Loosen the soil around the sides of the hole to help roots penetrate into the native soil. Don't loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole because the disturbed soil may settle and leave the tree planted too deeply.
Plant the tree. Slip the tree out of its pot or remove the burlap and ties. Prune off only those roots that tightly circle the trunk or are broken. With your hand, loosen and gently spread roots that circle the root ball. Set your tree in the hole, and lay a shovel handle across hole to check the planting depth. The top of the root ball should just touch the shovel handle. Add or remove soil until the top of the root ball is at the appropriate level.
If planting a bare-root tree, shape a small mound of soil in the center of the planting hole, and adjust the tree height until the base of the plant is at the correct level. Spread the roots over the mound of soil without bending or breaking them.
Fill the hole and water. Fill the hole half full with the excavated soil. Water thoroughly and allow to drain. Fill with the remaining soil and rake it gently into a low mound over the planting hole. Pull the soil away from the trunk to form a 4 to 6-inch-high, doughnut-shaped ring around the outside of the planting hole. Water again gently.
If you're planting in very poor soil, or if you are planting a container-grown plant in a lightweight soil mix, amend the excavated soil with 1/3 compost before backfilling.
Mulch your newly planted shrub with 2 to 4 inches of shredded bark to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Keep the mulch 1 to 2 inches away from the trunk.
Tips
Select trees and shrubs that thrive in your specific soil, sun exposure, and climate. Plants that need moist soil will languish in sandy, dry soil, for example.
Choose shrubs and trees with more than one season of interest. Look for attractive foliage, branching, flowers, fruit, and bark.
Photography by Sabin Gratz/National Gardening Association.
Planting Hedges and Screens
National Gardening Association Editors
Most of us consider our yards and gardens an extension of our homes, and we look for sanctuary and privacy there.
Plants can create living walls, which can be especially important in neighborhoods where homes are close together. Whether you can wait years for the screen to grow in place, or need a screen right away, you have many options. For best results, follow these steps:
Tools and Materials
• Books
• Drawing materials
Assess your needs. Are you looking for living fence for year-round privacy, or just for seasonal screening? How much maintenance can you manage? Do you want a mixture of plants with multiseason interest (flowers, changing foliage, winter color, fruit), a formal clipped hedge, or potted plants for portable screening? What is your minimum height requirement? How much money can you invest in this project?
Assess the site. Evaluate the area in terms of dimensions, sun and shade exposure, soil type and drainage, and proximity to underground features such as gas and water lines. Talk to your neighbors to alert them about your intentions, and make sure the project works for them, too.
Choosing plants. Once you have information about the site, you can decide what kind of plants will thrive there and meet your needs. When your desire is for immediate results, only a fence or a substantial investment in mature plants and landscaping will do the trick.
Mixed plantings of evergreen and deciduous shrubs provide interest in many seasons.
Deciduous plants provide more shade in summer but allow light to reach your yard in winter.
Fruiting trees, bushes, and vines provide snacks for you and the birds and for your neighbors.
Tall potted plants make a fast portable screen around a pool, patio, or deck.
Clumping bamboo and ornamental grasses grow quickly and lend an exotic air.
Annual vines grow quickly up a trellis. Perennial vines can climb an arbor or trellis, or soften a fence.
Tips
Excellent plants for traditional hedges include evergreens such as boxwood (Buxus), oleander (Nerium), yew (Taxus), arborvitae (Thuja), and hemlock (Tsuga). Deciduous hedge plants include Japanese barberry (Berberis), and privet (Ligustrum). Be sure to check the USDA Climate Hardiness Zone of each plant and compare it to the zone where you live.
Photography by Suzanne DeJohn/National Gardening Association.
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Trees & Shrubs