I have really enjoyed a long planting season this year. With mild temperatures, cloud cover and rain chances still forecasted throughout the first week of June, there is still time to add trees and shrubs to the garden or lawn. Most people recommend planting new trees and shrubs in early spring and in fall. These recommendations are based on fair temperatures and increased moisture. Judging by our extended 10-day forecast, the weather is still optimal for planting any new additions this week. I wanted to share our planting techniques in this article for those that would enjoy the tips.
When we plant new trees and shrubs in our gardens, we like to create a soil berm with a watering basin around each new plant. To create the berm and basin, we dig the holes slightly wider and deeper. These basins are meant to hold moisture from watering and rains longer, plus, avoid run-off that our new plants need to thrive. When we first dig the hole, we will dig it 2-4 times the size of the root ball and about 3-4” deeper than the top of the soil line. After the hole is dug, we will prepare the new plant.
To prepare the new plant, we will remove it from the container and check to see if it has any issues around the root ball. If you see mainly roots on the sides of the plant, make a slit down 2-3 sides of the root ball from top to bottom with a sterilized knife. This will allow the roots to spread in case they are wrapped up in the middle of the root ball. If the bottom of the root ball has circular wrapped roots, we will also pull the roots loose or remove them all together, so the new plant does not suffocate itself. Keep in mind that removing roots can put the plant into shock but it will be happier and healthier since it can now take in the nutrients that it will need to grow. Also look for any signs of root rot. If you see any damaged or decaying roots, remove them as best as you can before planting.
After your new addition is prepared to plant, make a small mound of dirt in the bottom of the hole. Gently spread the bottom roots out over the mound while placing the root ball on top of the mound. Be sure the root ball will be setting about 3” below your soil line of the hole that was dug to create the basin. Backfill the hole while breaking apart the soil dug from the hole as fine as possible. If you have a heavy clay soil, mix in some coarse blasting sand or pearlite to your soil before filling your hole. Backfill the hole until 1” of the root ball is left exposed. Water the hole until it fills completely. Allow enough time for the water to recede and see if more dirt needs to be added so that only 1” of the root ball is still above the soil. Water again and wait one more time. It is recommended to give a new tree or shrub about 10 gallons of water when it is first planted. Using the dirt left from the hole, create a berm around the outside edges of the entire hole, packing it tightly into place. Remove any loose soil from the area so it doesn’t run off into the newly created basin.
New plants will require additional care their first year, especially once temperatures rise above 80 degrees, whether you planted them last fall or earlier this year. Generally, we water our newly planted trees and shrubs about every third day for the first year. It is best to check the moisture level under the topsoil before watering, so you don’t accidently over water. Using a garden troll, dig into the top 2-3” of soil and see if the ground is dry to the touch. If the soil is still moist, wait a day or so and check again before watering. If the soil is overly dry, increase your watering times. Watering can be reduced to weekly next year and every other week the year after that. We also like to fertilize every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer, or we will add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil that was used to backfill the hole when planted. Mulch is also beneficial to the new planting and can be placed into the newly created basin as long as you keep it away from the trunk of the new plant.
I am sure the temperatures will be rising soon but until then, plant away! I know Chris and I will continue to do so as we enjoy these mild temps.
Charla Ingram is a plant, nature, and golfing enthusiast who, along with her husband Chris, owns and operates C&C Gardens in the small town of Bessie, Oklahoma.