In a home landscape setting, trees and shrubs are usually categorized and managed as one. They are commonly sold in three types: bare root plants, balled and burlapped plants, and container grown plants. Bare root plants are, well, plants that have bare roots. Balled and burlapped plants have their roots in a ball of soil bounded by a big burlap. Container grown plants are planted in containers and are the most common type.
Whatever type you want or if you already have one or more, and whatever method you use in planting, the same care and attention should be given to all of them. Most trees can fend for themselves. But that doesn’t mean you no longer have to look after them. These tips will help you in achieving beautiful trees and shrubs that will stay healthy for a long time.
- Planting
Water your trees and shrubs after planting them. Then make a protective layer around the base by putting soil or compost over it.
2. Watering
As mentioned, most trees and shrubs can fend for themselves. They won’t always need constant watering except during dry and drought season. If you’ve noticed the surface of the ground where the tree is planted is dry, that’s because the roots are absorbing all moisture and water they can get. But young and newly planted trees will need as much water as they can get to help them grow and establish themselves. But water the plants slowly to prevent soil from running off. This will guarantee that the water will reach the tree’s deep root system down under.
3. Staking
Shrubs or trees that have a hard time standing upright will need staking. A year or two will do or until when you can tell that they no longer need it. Staking will help plants develop a strong trunk. The wires should neither be too tight or too loose. The former will damage the plant and the latter won’t serve its purpose.
- Fertilizing
Fertilizing is very helpful if the soil where your plants are planted has no nutrients in it either because that is its original condition, or the topsoil has been removed. Commercial fertilizers are okay, but organic ones are the best. Whichever one you choose, always follow the instructions on the label. You will want to go easy on using fertilizers. Overfertilizing can cause more harm than good to plants especially the roots which can burn. Shrubs won’t be bearing many flowers as they should if you overfertilize them.
4.Trimming
Also called pruning, regular trimming is important to keep the plants healthy all throughout their lifetime. Branches that are running in all directions and are weighing down the shrub should be pruned. Dying, dead, and diseased branches have to be cut down too. This is essential in order to prevent other branches from being affected. Trimming is also important if the branches start to block driveways and sidewalks. You can do the trimming yourself but you’ll need to have the right tools and knowledge. If you think you fall short on either of the two or both or if you are feeling unsure about how to do it, then you can ask for help from professionals for their trimming services.
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