How to Plant Trees and Shrubs Successfully This Spring
Spring is the perfect season to breathe new life into your garden. With our essential Spring Planting Tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a lush, vibrant landscape that will thrive throughout the year. Let’s explore how to prepare your soil, plant trees and shrubs successfully, and ensure proper care for healthy growth.
How to Plant Trees and Shrubs Successfully This Spring
You’ve just returned from the garden centre with a selection of trees and shrubs. Now, what’s next? This guide walks you through the essential steps to ensure your new plants thrive, giving you a beautifully landscaped garden.
B&B Plants (Balled in Burlap)
B&B stands for balled in burlap, a method used to protect the plant’s roots. Before planting, carefully examine the twine wrapped around the root ball, especially near the stem. If it’s nylon, remove it completely, as nylon doesn’t decompose and can harm the plant over time. Genuine burlap will decompose naturally, but if you suspect it’s plastic-based, loosen it around the stem and make vertical cuts to allow roots to spread freely.
If the root ball is wrapped in genuine burlap, you’re in luck! It will naturally decompose underground. However, if you suspect it’s plastic-based, loosen it around the stem and make vertical cuts to allow roots to spread freely.
Spring Planting Tips: Preparing Your Soil
Spring brings with it the busiest season for gardeners. Garden centres teem with customers, and car boots overflow with plants. There’s a shared excitement in the air. However, to make sure this excitement translates into a healthy garden, practical soil preparation is key. Enrich your soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to boost its structure and fertility. Ensure you break up any clumps and remove weeds to give your new plants the best start.
Soil Considerations:
For heavy clay soil, raise the bed by at least 8 inches using rich topsoil. If this isn’t feasible, ensure the top of the root ball sits slightly above the existing ground level, and mound soil around it. This helps prevent waterlogging. While some suggest adding organic matter or gravel to the planting hole, it can create drainage issues. Instead, raising the bed ensures proper drainage and oxygen for the roots.
Related Tip: For more on soil preparation, visit our article on Preparing Your Garden Soil.
Planting Depth: A Crucial Step
One of the most critical Spring Planting Tips is to plant at the right depth. Always plant your trees or shrubs no deeper than they were in the nursery. This common mistake kills countless plants each year. By paying close attention, your plants will have a much better chance of thriving.
Staking New Trees
Staking is essential when planting new trees, especially in windy areas. If the wind causes your tree to sway, it can struggle to establish roots. Use a stake, whether it’s a wooden stake, fence post, or tubing, to stabilise the tree. Secure it with duct tape, and remember to remove the tape after six months to prevent damage.
Container Grown Plants
Planting container-grown plants tends to be simpler. Before removing the plant from the container, check for any roots growing out of the drain holes and trim them if needed. Once out, inspect the root mass. If the roots have begun growing in a circular pattern, gently loosen them to encourage outward growth. Use your fingers or a knife to break up the root mass before planting.
Fertilisers and Additives
When it comes to fertilisers and soil additives, simplicity is best. In most cases, you don’t need them. Stick with rich topsoil, and your plants will flourish. Overusing fertilisers can do more harm than good. As for bone meal and other additives sold at garden centres, don’t feel pressured to buy them. Many gardens thrive without these products.
Conclusion
By following these Spring Planting Tips, you’ll set your garden up for a season of vibrant growth and beauty. Don’t forget to plan and prepare in advance to make the most of the spring weather. For more expert advice and tips, explore other resources on our site.
Get Planting Today!
If you need expert help with planting or advice on how to care for your new trees and shrubs, contact Steve’s Garden Services. Our team is ready to assist you in creating a beautiful and healthy garden this spring.