Trees and Shrubs

    When planting a tree or shrub on a certain site for landscaping purposes, it is important to put some thought into what kind of tree you want and whether or not this type will thrive in this particular environment.  Even the best planting techniques will not save a tree that is not suited for it's environment.  Elements such as extreme hot/cold, wet/dry soils, and sun/shade will effect the plant's natural ability to tolerate the site and it's conditions.  Also, make sure you know the average size of the plant when full grown to ensure that the plant will not outgrow it's intended site.  Decide what purpose the tree(s) will serve.  Are they for shade, just to be pretty, or block the neighbor's pink house?  
    Trees and shrubs are available from nurseries in 3 different forms: bare-root, balled, and container grown.  Bare-root plants have had the soil shaken from their roots and must, therefore, be kept very moist or stored in a cool place (32-40 degrees Fahrenheit).  The balled technique is commonly used for larger plants and is a seasonal practice only, since the roots must have a proper climate to be moved in.  However, balled plants tend to severe a lot of roots.  Container grown plants are a good choice because none of the roots are lost but sometime, the roots can grow in circles, causing physical damage when the plant is in the ground.  All of these methods have advantages and disadvantages.  One is not better than the other, just more suitable to a certain area.  
    Once the plant is selected, it should be placed in a hole, which is then filled with a mixture of soil and topsoil to help nourish the plant.  Depending on the structure of the plant, some staking may be necessary in order for the plant to grow upright.  Click HERE to go to a site about maintaining and caring for trees.  

   Click HERE to go to a video about choosing the right tree/shrub.