(Continued from the previous
page) Planting
Trees, Shrubs, and Hedges in the Landscape
The
International Society of Arboriculture has good advice for planting trees
and shrubs. Before selection, determine the mature size of the tree by
consulting nursery personnel, catalogs, books, or your local extension
office. Be sure to get the correct information for the specific variety of
tree or shrub you want as to maturity dimensions and adaptability for your
area. The most common landscaping mistake is selecting plant materials
that will overgrow their location.
 Many shrubs
and round-headed trees grow about as wide as they grow tall, so if figures
for width are unavailable, estimate from the ultimate height. For example,
a tree that grows between 10 and 15 feet tall will commonly spread its
branches about the  same
distance, and should be planted at least 7 to 8 feet away from houses or
other structures.
Careful
placement can reduce future maintenance problems. Place shade trees away
from the house or other buildings. Keep in mind that in years to come the
tree will be larger and may lose branches in storms. For this reason, oaks
and other strong-wooded shade trees should be planted at least 20 ft. away
from buildings and utility lines. Place soft-wooded trees such as soft
maple at an even greater distance.
In relation
to one another, large shade trees should be planted about 50 ft. from each
other for best results. Medium-sized trees such as red maple or river
birch should be spaced about 35 ft apart. Dogwood, redbud, hawthorn, crab
or other small trees may be planted 15 to 20 ft. apart and at least 8 ft.
from buildings.
Spacing is
also a consideration for shrubs and hedges. Shrubs should be spaced about
one-half of their ultimate spread from buildings. Place different
varieties of shrubs about one-half the total spread for both plants. For
example, an 8 ft. shrub and a 6 ft. shrub should be placed about 7 ft.
apart. Hedges may be spaced closer together to form a full, dense screen.
Low hedge plants, 3 to 4 ft. high, should be spaced at least 18 in. apart,
while tall hedge plants will need to be 3 to 4 ft. apart.
The best time to plant trees and shrubs is during the dormant
season; in fall after leaf drop or early spring before budbreak. Cool
weather lets plants establish roots in their new location before spring
rains and summer heat stimulate new growth. However, if the plant has been
properly cared for in the nursery or garden center, it's okay to plant
throughout the growing season.
Proper Planting is the Key to a Healthy Future for Trees and Shrubs
Dig a large enough planting hole. The planting hole
should be deep enough so the new plant is no deeper than it was in the
nursery or container and twice as wide as the size of the ball or
container or the spread of the bare root system. Check for injury to roots
or branches. If any roots are crushed, cut them at a point just in front
of the break. Prune only broken branches. Begin corrective pruning after a
full season in the new location.
Prepare the hole and soil. While some newly planted
trees and shrubs may benefit from an application of plant food, it is best
not to use fertilizer until the plant is well established. Good, rich
native soil mixed with the location soil is usually adequate. Never apply
high nitrogen fertilizer at planting time, as it may burn tender
roots.
Place the plant in the hole. To avoid damage, lift plant
by the root ball or container; never by the trunk. Container plants must
be removed from the container before planting. If needed, add soil to the
hole to raise the plant to its original growing level.
Fill the hole gently, but firmly. Cut the
string or twine from balled or burlaped plants. You need not remove the
burlap or any similar decomposable material, but make sure it is
completely buried. Firm the soil around the plant to hold it in place and
settle the soil with water to eliminate air pockets. Make sure it is
planted straight and add more soil until it is firmly placed. Don't use
your feet to tamp the ground, as it can cause compaction.
Stake the tree if needed. Staking can
damage the tree or large shrub, so avoid if possible. If support is
needed, use a broad, soft strapping material such as woven belt fabric or
padded wire. Drive two or three stakes into the ground just outside the
perimeter of the planting hole, an equal distance apart. Attach one end of
the strapping material to the tree at the lowest practical level to keep
it upright; fasten other end to the stake. Remove the stakes after the
tree is firmly rooted; normally one growing season.
Post-planting care. After the plant is
completely back-filled and is settled at its proper height, create a ring
of soil a few inches deep at the outer edge of the planting hole to serve
as a basin for holding water. Watering is critical for the new plant and
it is very important that the water soak deep into the soil. Fill the
basin with a good mulch such as bark, wood chips, or pine
needles.
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