Planting trees and shrubs can take place at any time from spring to fall. As soon as the ground thaws, until a few weeks before freezing in the fall. Bare-root trees and shrubs should be planted in spring or early summer, as they require a longer period to establish roots to survive the winter.
How to plant trees and shrubs
To prepare the soil for planting a tree or shrub, it is most important to dig a wide hole. This loosens and aerates the soil providing a better environment for new root growth. The hole should be at least 45-60 cm larger than the root ball. A good rule of thumb is to make the hole about twice as big around as the size of the container that the shrub came in. At this time you may add a few handfuls of bone meal to encourage root development. Next remove the tree or shrub from the pot, and gently untangle the roots to spread into the soil as the plant grows. Set the tree into the hole, and fill the hole with good topsoil. Firm the soil around the roots to prevent any air pockets. Firm the soil around the plant leaving a slight depression around the base of the plant to catch extra moisture. WATER THOROUGHLY. Plants should be watered thoroughly every few days if there is insufficient rainfall. As your tree or shrub grows, try to keep the grass from growing too close to the plant. A heavy sod will take valuable nutrients away from a tree or shrub trying to get established.
Organic mulch applied about 8-10 cm thick has many advantages: it insulates the roots of the plant from heat and reduces moisture loss. It also reduces soil compaction, controls weeds, and has added eye appeal.
Fertilizer added to the planting hole may burn the roots of the tree. It is usually not necessary to fertilize at planting time but a water soluble fertilizer used as directed may help the plant to get started. Fertilize in spring and early summer for best results.
Pruning is the removal of selected living or dead parts of a plant to maintain appearance, health, and to regulate growth. It is used to increase flowering, rejuvenate, shape and improve structural strength of shrubs.
It is important to choose an appropriate shrub for each location. A shrub that is suited to the soil type, amount of sun, and whose mature size fit’s the chosen location will grow better and be more attractive. Also if the correct size of plant is used, drastic pruning will not be required to keep a plant in its space in the future.
Time for pruning
Time of pruning varies with plant species. Many woody ornamentals are pruned according to their date of flowering. For example spring flowering plants are generally pruned after they bloom. Summer flowering generally are pruned during the dormant season before the new growth begins.
Prune After Flowering
- Bridal Wreath Spirea
Prune Before Spring Growth Begins
- Butterfly Bush
- Anthony Waterer Spirea
When to prune
- Pruning at the right time produces the best show of flowers and the healthiest trees and shrubs.
- Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs shortly after they finish blooming and after the new leaves are fully opened.
- Prune summer flowering trees and shrubs late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.
- Prune evergreens when they are actively growing in late spring.
- Prune birch and maple trees when they are in full leaf all other trees and shrubs while they are dormant in late spring before the new leaves open.