Planting Trees and Shrubs
How long does it take for a newly planted tree or shrub to become established?
Basics First
Before you go to the store to buy a tree or shrub you need to know where you are going to put the plant and what its purpose is. You need to choose the right plant for the right place. For example, you do not want to plant a citrus tree in the shade. It will not grow well or produce good fruit. You should also like to eat the fruit you plant, since if it is planted right and taken care of, it will produce well. Some plants do well in the shade, others require full sun. Some plants like a lot of water, others will do well in a drought. You may also want to know the cold sensitivity of the plant. If a plant that you want is "cold sensitive" you should plant it only in a protected area or near a lake.
The next step is to choose a tree or shrub that is healthy. Make sure that there are no sick or broken branches. Do a visual check for insects and insect damage. Also check the roots. If the store will not let you look at the roots of a shrub, don't buy there.
After you have chosen a good plant and a good site for the plant here are the steps to follow
- Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball but two to three times wider. Many people consider the hole to be more important than the plant itself. Don't put a $50 plant in a $10 hole, plant the $10 tree in the $50 hole.
- For most plants (roses being an exception) it is a waste of time to add potting soil, compost, or sphagnum moss to the hole. Always put the original soil back in the hole.
- Fill the hole with water and then let it drain.
- Prepare the root ball.
- If the plant is root bound (i.e., has roots circling the root ball or the bottom of the ball), then cut this outside layer of roots on the side with four (4) vertical cuts evenly spaced around the root ball. Continue the vertical cuts across the bottom of the root ball. This will help the new plant grow new roots that spread out in the soil.
- If the plant is not root bound, then just gently pull the outside roots away from the root ball.
- After the water has drained from the hole, place the root ball in the center of the hole. Most importantly, plants should be planted so that the top of the root ball is at ground level.
- Fill the hole with the same dirt that came out of the hole. Pack the soil down gently. Make sure not to leave large air holes where there is no soil.
- Build a water basin with soil 3 - 6" high around the plant just outside the root ball. This will help to ensure the plant is well watered.
- Water the plant very well, at least twice. Fill your basin with water each time. This will help remove any air pockets left in the soil.
- Water daily for the first month. After that, Keep it water after that until it is established.
- Fertilize the plant two weeks after you plant it, then four (4) times a year after that.
Planting a Tree