Planting Directions, Trees & Shrubs

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Planting Directions – Trees & Shrubs” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23c37186″ google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text] Congratulations on your purchase of a new tree or shrub from Landon’s Greenhouse and Nursery. To help your plant get a strong, healthy start in our Northern Wyoming climate and soils, we recommend the following planting procedures.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”1. Dig a hole of proper width and depth.” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]It should be twice as wide as the container (or balled and burlapped root ball) and just deep enough to keep the root flare, (normally the top of the root ball) at ground level. Do not plant too deep.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”2. Prepare an enriched backfill.” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Mix soil removed from the hole with compost at a ratio up to 1:3 (one shovel scoop of compost to 3 shovel scoops of native soil). Phosphate (bone meal) fertilizers mixed into the backfill soil are also beneficial. Most container grown plants have already been fertilized in the nursery, and do not need additional nitrogen fertilization until next year.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”3. Use the appropriate planting method!” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Spring Potted (SP) plants have fragile root systems, as they are just getting established. These plants must be removed from the container very carefully so as not to break off developing root hairs. If it is in a fiber pot, cut off the bottom of the pot, and hold the soil in the pot by placing your hand underneath the pot, then place it in the hole. Cut off the sides of the pot. If it is in a plastic pot, hold your hand over the top of the pot, turn the pot upside down, close to the bottom of the hole, and gently shake the plant out of the container so that excess soil spills out into the center of the hole. Set the roots carefully into the hole. Fill the hole with the amended backfill. Tamp the soil firmly around the plant with a shovel or your hands.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Container Grown (C) plants have established roots, and the containers can be cut off, or the plants can be gently pulled put of the containers. Often, container grown plants are root bound. Loosen the roots by digging into the root ball 1/2”-1” with your fingers and pulling roots out. Be sure there are no circling roots. If there are, these should be pulled outward or cut off. Severely root bound plants need the roots rigorously raked out. Fill the hole with the amended backfill. Tamp the soil firmly around the plant with a shovel or your hands.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Balled and Burlapped (B) plants must have their wire baskets cut off before being planted. Once the plant is stable in the hole with the wire removed, cut the twine and the burlap from around the root ball as far down as you can reach. Then continue to fill in the hole with the amended back fill. Tamp the soil firmly around the plant with a shovel or your hands. All twine  must be removed from around the base of the plant![/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”4. Build a small dam with the soil about 3” to 4” high around the newly planted tree or shrub, the same diameter as the hole.” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]This will form a basin around the plant to hold water when you water it. Keep this area free of weeds and grass. It could also be mulched with bark chips, hay, etc. to help hold moisture in the ground.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”5. After planting, water slowly but generously, allowing water to fill the basin and penetrate deeply into the soil.” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]After this first watering, the amount of water applied depends on the weather. Using your green thumb, check the soil daily. If the soil dries out to 1” down, then water it. This might be a day, or as long as a month, depending on the weather and soil conditions. After your plant has leafed out, it will need more frequent watering. Always water deeply by filling the basin around the plant.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”6. If you plant a tree in a windy spot (like Wyoming), it should be staked.” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]For small trees, two metal Tstakes should be driven into the ground outside the hole, into firm  ground. The stakes must be on the windward and lee-ward sides of the tree. For larger trees (6’ Evergreens or any deciduous over 1.25”) use 3 stakes evenly spaced around the tree. For best results, use straps, not strings or hose and be sure not to tie the straps too tightly, as this can damage the trunk. Leave a small amount of play in the guy wires so the tree can sway slightly. Remove the straps and stakes in one year.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download PDF” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Flandonsgreenhouse.com%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F02%2FPlanting-Directions-Trees-Shrubs.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]