GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Spring is right around the corner and I don’t know about everyone else, but I am ready to plant for the spring. With buds breaking and some flowers blooming, many people get the itch to start landscaping and put some new plants in the ground. However, did you know that the success of the trees and shrubs you put in your landscape can be determined by how you plant it now?

Choosing the right specimen

First step in being prepared to plant is choosing the right tree or shrub at the nursery. Research to make sure your yard will provide what your chosen species needs and then look for the perfect specimen. Make sure it is pest and disease free, the pot does not contain weeds, and that it has a good form.
For woody plants, look at the growth of the plant in the pot. If it has been in a container that is too small for too long, you will likely notice the tree or shrub is large for the pot and the roots will begin to circle. Circling roots, a sign that the plant is root-bound. When this occurs, the roots will usually continue this pattern and it can cause a tree to not anchor in the ground properly or even prove fatal.
If you do have a plant that is root bound, use a sharpened shovel to shave the outside of the root-ball to encourage new growth.

Digging the hole

When getting ready to plant, the next step is digging the hole. Make the hole at least 1½ times the size of the root ball – if the root ball is two feet wide, the whole should be 3 feet or wider – of the plant. It should also be deep enough so one-two inches of the root ball will be above ground level. This height will help it survive and feeds into the saying “plant it high, it won’t die”. Never allow soil to rest against the trunk of the plant and the top of the root ball should be visible after backfilling the hole.

Time to plant

At this point some people also like to mix in some compost with the soil as they fill in the hole around the plant. As you back fill, it can be helpful to add some water into the hole to help soil settle completely. You can also work to grade the soil away from the plant and build a lip of soil to help keep water near the root ball.
You should always make sure the plant is properly positioned and can consider using stakes to keep trees in position as they grow.

Establishment

Finally, make sure to provide enough moisture to your plants as they go through their establishment period. When they are getting acclimated to the soil and setting new roots, it can be very stressful. Keep soil moist over the first few weeks of growth and slowly cut back on irrigation. This will help the roots go deeper into the ground and make a healthier plant in the long run.
If you are interested more about how to properly plant in the landscape, we are holding a free workshop on March 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at our office at 2463 State Road 16W, Green Cove Springs. Bring a lunch and learn while you eat! To register visit clayextension.eventbrite.com. If you have any questions, just call us at (904) 284-6355.