Describe the factors involved in selecting appropriate landscape plants.
Explain the general guidelines for purchasing healthy landscape plants.
Compare and contrast the planting procedures for balled-and-burlapped vs. container-grown plants.
Diagram how to stake a newly planted tree.
Learning Objectives
Trees◦Size
Large (>45 ft.) Medium (30-45 ft.) Small (10-30 ft.)
Shade Rooting characteristics
◦Invasive◦Surface roots
Shrubs
Choosing Trees and Shrubs
Small-space trees Amur maple Japanese maple Eastern redbud Kousa dogwood Kwanzan cherry Japanese tree lilac
Plant Selection
Local garden centers ◦ Sell plants grown by wholesale nurseries
Retail nurseries ◦ Grow some of the plants they sell, and may offer
landscape design and installation services
Mail-order catalogs ◦ May offer plants not available locally
Sources of Landscape Plants
Tree health Tree size Tree type
Select Healthy Stock
Root system, root ball, or container spread should be 10 to 12 inches for every inch of stem diameter.
Inexpensive and light weight
Best when young Should have a caliper of <2
inches Plant when dormant before
buds begin to swell Soak roots in water for up to
24 hours before planting.
Tree Type: Bare-Root
Both fine and coarse roots are included ◦ Less transplant shock
Handle root ball gently to avoid disturbing root contact with soil
Watch for buried root collars:◦ Avoid buying trees with
more than 4 inches of soil over the root collar.
Tree Type: Balled-and-Burlapped
Round pots can cause circling roots ◦ cut or straighten at time of
planting.
Should be well rooted but not root-bound.
Avoid trees grown bare-root but recently potted for sale.
Tree Type: Containerized
Keep trees and shrubs shaded, cool, and moist before planting.
Remove all labels/wires from the stem.
Point tops of plants away from afternoon sun if they must be stored in the open.
Pre-Planting Care
Bare-root trees need staking to anchor.
Staking should allow for trunk flexing in the wind.
Trees allowed to move with the wind develop reaction wood.
Remove after 1-2 seasons.
Staking New Trees
Deep, thorough watering is key. Sprinkler systems for lawn offer only
shallow watering. Place a hose at the tree base for 15
minutes. Mulch around the base to prevent
evaporation.
Irrigating New Trees
Plant shallow using backfill soil mounded to cover root system
Install subsurface tile drains to carry water away from roots
Dealing with Poor Drainage
The most important aspect of landscape tree selection is tree ______________.
A common problem with balled-and-burlapped trees is buried root __________.
Bare-root trees should be planted in which season?
The planting hole should be _________ times ___________ than the root ball.
T or F –All newly planted trees should be staked.
Review Questions