Want to learn how to properly install your new plants from Showplace Garden Center? While planting is not complicated, it is a bit more involved than just planting “green side up”! Read on to learn the best techniques for planting trees and shrubs in your Northern KY landscape.
Tree Planting Tips
A properly planted tree will grow faster and live longer than one that is incorrectly planted. Trees can be planted almost any time of the year as long as the ground is not frozen.
Late summer or early fall is the optimum time to plant trees in the Northern Kentucky area. This gives the tree a chance to establish new roots before winter arrives and the ground freezes. Another good choice for planting is late winter or early spring.
Trees can be purchased as container grown and balled and burlapped (B&B). Generally, container grown are the easiest to plant and successfully establish in any season.
When planting container grown plants, little damage is done to the roots as the plant is transferred to the soil. B&B plants have been dug from a nursery, wrapped in burlap, and kept in the nursery , giving the roots opportunity to regenerate. B&B plants can be quite large.
Follow these tips for planting trees. If you have any questions, talk to an expert at (859) 428-3736
Step 1:
BEFORE DIGGING, call your local utilities to identify the location of any underground utilities.
Step 2:
Dig a hole approximately one and a half to two times as wide as, and slightly shallower than the root ball.
Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole with a pick or shovel so that roots can penetrate the soil.
Step 3:
With a potted tree, gently remove the tree from the container. If roots are growing in a circular pattern around the root ball, slice through the roots on a couple of sides.
With trees wrapped in burlap, cut the string or wire that holds the burlap to the root crown. It is unnecessary to completely remove the burlap.
Step 4:
Place the root ball in the hole. Leave the top of the root ball (where the roots end and the trunk begins) 1/2 to 1 inch above the surrounding soil, making sure not to cover it unless roots are exposed.
Do not set trees too deep.
As you add soil to fill in around the tree, lightly tamp the soil to collapse air pockets, or add water to help settle the soil. Water thoroughly after planting.
Step 5:
Mulch around the tree. A 3-foot diameter circle of mulch is common
Step 6:
Under most conditions, staking the tree is not needed. Depending on the size of the tree and the site conditions, staking may be beneficial.
Staking supports the tree until the roots are well established to properly anchor it. Staking should allow for some movement of the tree. After trees are established, remove all support wires.
Shrub Planting Tips
Follow these tips for planting shrubs. If you have any questions, talk to an expert at (859) 428-3736
Step 1
Dig a hole that allows the roots to spread out.
You want to avoid crowding the roots.
Step 2:
Blend the soil that you have removed with compost or topsoil to add nutrients that will help your shrubs grow.
Step 3:
Put the shrub into the hole, ensuring that all of the roots will be underground once the hole is filled back in with the soil mix.
Step 4:
Fill the hole by gently placing the soil mix around the shrub.
Tap the dirt down firmly on the top of the hole.
Step 5:
Water the shrub well. This will help the soil to settle around the roots of the shrub.
This is a very important step since it should remove any air pockets that were created when refilling the hole.
Water slowly and deeply so that the water reaches all of the way down to the roots of the shrub.