Tree & Shrub Care Guide
You'll find trees and shrubs sold three different ways, depending on the time of year and where you shop.
1. Bare-root plants are typically available in late winter or early spring and are purchased while they're dormant. Bare-root plants are typically the least expensive because they don't have the cost of soil or containers associated with them.
Learn more on planting bare-root plants.
2. Balled-and-burlapped plants, often simply called B&B, are available from spring to fall. They feature a root ball in soil that's surrounded by a large burlap (or similar material) bag. Balled-and-burlapped plants are usually the largest specimens your nursery offers.
Learn more on planting balled-and-burlapped plants.
3. Container-grown trees and shrubs are the most commonly available. They're probably what you think of when you look for plants at your local nursery. Like balled-and-burlapped plants, they're typically available throughout the year. However, they come in a wide range of sizes.
Learn more on planting container-grown plants.
No matter which method you use to plant your trees and shrubs, water them well after planting. Spread a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil around the plant; this creates a protective zone so you don't have to mow lawn grasses right up against a newly planted tree (and risk damaging its young bark). It will also help the soil maintain its moisture level longer, so you have to water less.
You may need to stake newly planted trees, especially if you planted them as bare-root or if you have a hard time keeping them upright. Support them only for the first year or two; remove the stakes after that so your trees and shrubs can develop a sturdy trunk and root system.
One of the simplest ways to support a young tree is to use a single stake about as tall as the tree. Drive the stake in the ground about 18 inches deep and about 6 inches away from the edge of the planting hole. Use heavy wire wrapped by a section of old garden hose and tie the tree to the stake using a figure-8 pattern. (The hose prevents the wire from grinding against the bark.)
Test Garden Tip: Avoid pulling the wire tight because it can damage the tree. The trunk should be able to move lightly in any direction if you push against it.
Many trees and shrubs benefit from a little pruning throughout their life. The process may seem complicated, but follow these guidelines to make it easier.
What to Prune:
No matter what trees and shrubs you're growing, it's a good idea to prune out any dead or diseased branches. This helps the plant look better and can prevent the disease from spreading.
You should prune out any wayward stems that block pathways, driveways, or grow into the side of a house or other structures. Also remove branches that cross and rub against one another; as the bark gets rubbed off, it makes the tree more susceptible to disease.
Prune most summer-flowering shrubs (including rose of Sharon, butterfly bush, 'Annabelle' hydrangea, and spirea) in late fall, winter, or early spring.
Test Garden Tip: Dip your pruning shears in a bleach or rubbing alcohol solution between cuts. This prevents the disease from spreading to healthy branches.
Get more tips on pruning trees.
Learn more about pruning shrubs.
How to Prune Spring-Flowering Shrubs
-Gardeners often prune trees and shrubs in winter, and for many woody plants, this makes the most sense, but for spring flowering plants, the best time is right after they flower. That's because they form their flower beds on summer growth and winter pruning would eliminate much of the spring bloom. Forsythia is a good example. After it's done blooming, eliminate branches that are too large by clipping them off near the ground or find their branching point like this or make your cut there. Lilac is another example. This plant is getting too tall. So, I'll cut this entire branch off at the base. That will open up the plant so this young shoots can grow and take its place, but with a much smaller, tidier form. These guidelines apply to other spring bloomers as well such as magnolia, Weigela and mock orange, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
Continued on page 2: More Maintenance Tips
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