-Dig hole twice as wide but not quite as deep as root ball
- When the plant is in the hole pull burlap and excess soil away from the trunk to locate root flare
-Root flare is just above where the first roots begin
-Root flare must be above ground level
-Remove as much wire, burlap, and rope as you can without letting the root ball fall apart
-Back fill with existing soil
-Mulch and slowly soak root area
-Remove from container and loosen roots, especially any girdling or encircling roots growing around the root ball
-Dig hole twice as wide but not quite as deep as root ball
-Root flare is just above where first roots begin
-Root flare must be above ground
-Back fill with existing soil
-Mulch and slowly soak root area
-Container grown plants typically need more water than B&B plants, especially through the first summer
Spring & Summer
- Check to see if your plant needs water 3 times a week
- Move mulch away to feel soil and check soil moisture
- Slowly soak root area for about 15 minutes for trees and 5 minutes for shrubs, every time you water. This deep watering will promote a strong, healthy root system. Light watering will result in a weak, shallow root system
- Adjust watering routine according to weather, soil conditions, type, and size of plant
Fall & Winter
- Evergreen trees and shrubs need water through the winter
- Soak root systems once every 2-3 weeks, if we don't get rain or snow
- Use a bucket or watering can if it's too cold to use the hose
- Deciduous trees need less water since they drop their leaves. Water new plants every 3 weeks, if we don't get rain or snow
Do Stake :
- Bare root trees or trees with a small root ball
- Trees planted in areas with lots of traffic, like a sidewalk or street
- New trees that can't stand on their own or begin to lean
- Eucalyptus trees, Mesquite hybrid trees, oleander trees, and acacia trees
- Tall, top-heavy trees with no lower branches
-Young trees if you live in a windy area or if the soil is too wet or loose
- Remove the nursery stakes and find two or three stakes (wooden or metal). Place your hand on the trunk and see where it needs to be steadied. That’s how tall your stakes should be
- Place the two stakes opposite each other and about 1.5’ away from the trunk. Use the third stake only if needed and put on an open side of the tree
- Use a soft material, like canvas strapping or tree staking straps, to attach the stakes. Allow enough slack, so the tree can naturally sway.
- Don’t use rope or wire, which damages the trunk.
Don’t let your plastic garden pots and/or trays go to waste. Over 350,000 pounds of horticultural plastic contributes to the waste stream each year. Since 1998, our region’s plastic pot recycling program has prevented over one million pounds of horticultural waste from reaching the landfill. Remember to reduce and reuse before you recycle.
Please contact me if you have any unwanted, used, plastic garden containers and/or trays and I will gladly accept for recycle. If you are leaving plastic pots, try to remove all dirt and debris, as well as any plant tags, and place ALL containers in a bag.
Are you looking for extra plants? In exchange for your plastic, I have plants to give away. (Please bring a bucket, bag or a box to transport). I have inherited most of my plants and I will need to make room for more exciting stuff to share!
Rainscaping reclaims stormwater naturally using simple techniques to manage and filter rainwater where it falls – the way nature intended. This can be done through any combination of plantings, water features, catch basins, and permeable pavement, among other activities.
If you are a landowner within the Grant Program Area and wanting to install rainscaping features on your property, you may be eligible to apply for a MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Grant.
