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Quality nursery stock since 1952 |
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Planting Tips & Care |
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Shrubs and Evergreens Shrubs and evergreens may be used to emphasize architectural features or to separate your yard from a neighbor's yard. They are hardy enough to survive on minimal care and most species grow rapidly. Ideal for most landscapes, shrubs and evergreens provide graceful lines to a home. Indeed, in addition to the satisfaction they provide you, well-chosen, well-placed shrubs will add value to your home. These basic instructions offer guidelines on the planting and care of evergreens and shrubs. For more details and advice on choosing which varieties are best suited for your landscape, please call the nursery to seek advice. Begin by digging a saucer shaped hole two times the diameter of the soil ball. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball 10% above ground level. If you purchased the plant in a metal, plastic, or treated wood container, carefully remove that container. If burlapped, fill the hole ˝ full with existing soil or soil mixture. Then tamp firmly. Cut the burlap loose from around the plant trunk and fold down. Fill the hole with your existing soil if the soil is friable, then firmly tamp again. If your existing soil is of poor quality, amend with approximately 1/3 compost or leaf mulch until you have a friable mix. Form a basin around the edge of the hole to retain water. Apply 2 "to 3" of mulch. If the plant is wrapped with plastic burlap and twine—or any type of non-biodegradable material—, then remove these materials. Finish covering the root ball with soil or amended mix. Soak plant thoroughly several times. Apply starter fertilizer at base of plant. Water thoroughly as needed during the first growing season. The best way is to place a garden hose at the base of plant, letting it trickle slowly until the soil is saturated. Be careful of over watering when planting in heavy clay soil, shade or when a heavy mulch is used. After the first year, feed plants twice yearly, in early spring and early fall. |
