Planting the Landscape

Amy Winstead, Regional Extension Agent

Properly planting your new garden plants is critical to ensure their productive future in the landscape. Planting now still gives time for them to acclimate to their new homes, developing healthy root systems, before the stress of hot, dry weather.

Planting too deep is one of the most common mistakes made when planting shrubs and trees. Prepare a hole that is no deeper than the root ball but twice as wide. The top of the root ball should be slightly above or level with the soil surface. Extra planting-hole width allows roots plenty of room to grow quickly.

For ball-and-burlap trees and shrubs, cut away any string and fold burlap down into the hole to prevent drought. Exposed burlap works like a wick and pulls moisture from the new root zone. If soil drainage is in question, plant slightly above soil level and cover exposed root ball with compost or topsoil. For plants bound with plastic bulap, or in containers, remove these coverings before planting.

Backfill the planting-hole and water as you fill to eliminate air pockets. Water it again several hours later. Potassium, phosphorus and lime should only be applied by soil test recommendations. Adding nitrogen during the first year can actually decrease establishment of the new root system – it stimulates excess top growth. Over-fertilizing can damage fragile feeder roots. Apply mulch uniformly to the soil surface for moisture retention and reduce weed problems.

Finally, remember to always choose healthy disease free plants from a reputable source. Inspect plants top-to-bottom before purchase. Contact the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Office in your county for more information on proper planting techniques for the landscape, or find our web publication at http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0958/ANR-0958.pdf