Broadleafed Shrubs: Whole Shrub

Poor Planting Techniques

When newly planted plants fail to thrive or exhibit poor growth, poor planting techniques may be the problem. Proper planting techniques can help plants to establish quickly and may help plants to better withstand environmental stresses. Plants that have been in the ground for one or more years, yet appear to be planted incorrectly, can be dug and replanted in spring or fall. Most nursery grown shrubs can be successfully planted any time of year, as long as sufficient water is available. Early spring and fall are the preferred times to plant. Weather conditions are conducive to good root growth and rapid establishment at these times. Exceptions to fall planting are oak, dogwood, sourgum, tulip poplar and pine trees. When space allows, plant trees and shrubs in mass plantings. This creates a natural setting that is attractive and makes it possible to have more plants in your yard. Plants grown in "island" plantings tend to be healthier than those planted singly.

Planting Procedure

1. Prepare the site by loosening the soil in a wide area (i.e., five times wider than the actual plant hole). Do not dig deeper than the root ball or the plant might sink into the ground too deeply as the soil and plant settle. The sides of the planting hole should slope outwards when planting in heavy soil.
   
2. If the soil is dry when preparing a hole for a new plant, dig the hole and fill it with water the day before the plant goes into the ground. This gives the soil time to absorb water and prevents creating muddy conditions during planting
   
3. Incorporate organic matter into the soil removed from the hole and to the soil in the entire planting area. Do not add soil amendments such as compost or peat moss directly into the planting hole. This is contrary to what is often recommended. In clay soils, adding these materials may create drainage problems because they actually draw water into the hole. This water remains in the hole for an extended period and rots the roots. Fertilizer can also be incorporated at this time. Ideally, the soil should be tested before planting so that the recommended fertilizer can be worked into the soil before planting. Use a fertilizer with an analysis low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium (i.e., 5-10-10). The phosphorus and potassium will promote root growth. Wait until the plant has been growing for one season before fertilizing again.
   
4. Place the plant in the hole at the proper level. In heavy clay soils, plant shrubs with the top of the root ball higher than the existing soil line. Eight to ten percent of the root ball above the soil line may be needed.
   
5. If the plant is balled and burlapped, remove the cords and cut the burlap loose from the root ball. The cords used today on balled and burlapped roots are usually made of plastic. As the plant grows it will girdle the trunk. Some burlap is treated to retard rotting, and some root ball wraps are plastic or synthetic burlap. These should always be removed.
   
6. To remove container grown plants from the container, tap gently, set the plant on its side and pull the pot away from the plant. Separate the roots by slicing into the root ball in several places. Gently pull the roots apart, spreading them out. This will prevent girdling roots and encourage new lateral root growth.
   
7. Fill in around the root ball with improved soil. It is important when planting (particularly container-grown material) to avoid covering the top of the root ball with more than 1/2 inch of fine soil. Otherwise, water may be diverted sideways through the native soil and not soak down into the root ball, where it is needed. Keep all soil and mulch away from the stem of the plant.
   
8. Once a tree or shrub has been planted, shape the soil around the stem to create a shallow depression the diameter of the root ball. Fill the depression with water. This permits water to go straight to the root zone rather than run off the surface. Thorough soaking after planting eliminates air pockets around roots. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be watered when the soil below the mulch and in the root ball feels dry. Be careful not to over-water. Many people have inadvertently drowned newly planted trees by watering them too often.
   
9. Research has shown that an effective way to maximize growth of trees and shrubs is with a large mulched area instead of grass under the plant. This will reduce competition for nutrients and moisture between young plants and grass. If planted individually, mulch new trees and shrubs as far out as the spread of the branches. The mulch layer should not exceed 2 to 3-inches in thickness. Keep all mulch away from the stem of the plant.

Keywords: fall planting, spring planting, planting time

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