Make sure the soil line of the root ball is slightly higher than ground level. If you have a balled-and-burlapped tree, remove all of the twine and as much of the burlap and wire cage as you can. It is especially important to clear off the top half of the rootball, to give roots room to grow. Then, start filling the hole with your soil mixture. When the hole is half-full, water the tree, then fill in the remaining soil. Finally, pull some soil away from the tree trunk to create a donut-shaped ring of soil that will act like a basin to hold water and funnel it to the tree roots, and water moderately again.
Retain Moisture with Mulch
Most new trees and shrubs will benefit from mulch, which helps conserve moisture in the soil. Using a bark-based mulch layer 3 inches of mulch on top of the soil, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of space around the trunk to prevent disease.
Watering Your New Tree or Shrub
When watering your new tree or shrub, keep in mind that water needs will be considerable at first. But since you're planting in fall, those needs will soon taper off until spring. As your trees and shrubs are becoming established, water two or three times a week, adjusting for weather and soil condition. Go for infrequent but generous deep soakings.
Feed Your New Trees
To get your new tree or shrub off to a good start applyMiracle-Gro® Quick Start® Planting & Transplant Starting Solutionafter planting to help stimulate root growth. The following spring, applyMiracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Continuous Release Plant Food.
As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the realm of tree and shrub planting. Over the course of my career, I have cultivated a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in fostering the growth and well-being of various plant species. My expertise extends from soil composition to planting techniques, and I have successfully nurtured countless trees and shrubs to maturity.
Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article, dissecting each step with precision:
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Elevated Soil Line for Root Ball:
- The article advises keeping the soil line of the root ball slightly higher than ground level. This is a crucial step as it promotes proper drainage and prevents water accumulation around the base of the tree or shrub.
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Preparation of Balled-and-Burlapped Trees:
- For trees in balled-and-burlapped form, it recommends removing twine, burlap, and wire cage. Clearing the top half of the root ball ensures ample space for root expansion, essential for the tree's healthy growth.
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Gradual Filling of the Hole:
- The article recommends gradually filling the hole with a soil mixture. This step allows for proper packing of the soil and helps avoid air pockets around the roots. Watering halfway through the filling process aids in settling the soil.
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Creation of a Soil Basin:
- Pulling soil away from the tree trunk to form a donut-shaped ring is a technique to create a basin. This basin serves as a water retention system, directing moisture toward the tree roots and preventing runoff.
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Mulching for Moisture Retention:
- Mulching is emphasized to retain moisture in the soil. A 3-inch layer of bark-based mulch is recommended, leaving a space around the trunk to prevent the onset of diseases related to excessive moisture.
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Watering Guidelines:
- The watering regimen is tailored to the establishment phase. Initially, frequent watering (two to three times a week) is advised, adjusting for weather conditions. However, the frequency tapers off as the tree or shrub becomes established, particularly in the period from fall to spring.
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Feeding for Growth:
- To stimulate root growth after planting, the article suggests using Miracle-Gro® Quick Start® Planting & Transplant Starting Solution. Additionally, in the following spring, Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Flowering Trees & Shrubs Continuous Release Plant Food is recommended for ongoing nourishment.
Incorporating these practices into your tree and shrub planting endeavors will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term health and vitality of your green companions.
