Did you know that autumn can be a wonderful time to plant certain trees and shrubs in the Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio region? Yet, you need to know the process of properly planting your trees or shrubs to insure for their growth and health. Here’s what you need to know about planting trees on your property:

1. The Right Tree for the Right Situation: Take a look at your property and decide what type of trees and shrubs will look best in different parts of your yard. Pay attention to the size the plant will be when mature, ensuring that your trees and shrubs have plenty of room to grow. Trees and shrubs also require different amounts of sunlight, moisture, and soil types, and may not do well if placed in areas that do not fit their requirements.

2. Only Certain Trees Grow Well when Planted in the Fall: Realize that only certain trees grow well when planted in the fall:

• Deciduous Trees & Shrubs;
• Narrow-leaf Evergreens;
• Broad-leaf Evergreens;
• Some bare-root trees are safe to plant in the fall, but check with your nursery or garden center before planting them.

3. No Matter How They Come to You, They go in the Ground The Same Way: You can buy trees and shrubs as ball and burlap, where you get the root ball that is wrapped in burlap, or you can buy your trees and shrubs that are grown in containers. No matter how your trees and shrubs are packaged, many of the same techniques are used to plant them. These general guidelines are

• You need to dig a hole for your tree, as deep as the tree or shrub that you’re planting;
• Make sure that you double or triple the width size of the hole so that the root system and the plant can grow and expand;
• Rototill the hole before placing the tree or shrub in it;
• Depending on the stock that you’re using, you may need to cut away fabric, wiring, and nails. Ask your garden center or nursery about the specifics of the plant media type that you’re going to plant on your property;
• Place your tree or shrub in the middle of the hole. Handle the plant with care. And make sure that your tree or shrub’s root collar is slightly above the ground;
• Fill in the hole with backfill. If you have clay or sandy soil, you may need to add soil amendments to the backfill to make it more porous for the tree or shrub’s roots;
• Water your tree or shrub well. You will want your hose to trickle water into the hole for about an hour;
• Fill the rest of the hole with mulch to seal in the water and to protect the newly planted tree or shrub. Make sure that you don’t mulch around the tree trunk or shrub stems;
• Remove any tags from the branches so that they don’t dig into the bark which would allow an opening for tree diseases and insects;
• Make sure that you strategically place stakes around your tree to support it. For smaller trees, you’ll need to stake your tree to protect it and keep it upright. For larger trees, you’ll need to guy your tree by using wires, stakes, and hose. Again, check your local extension office, nursery, or garden center for more details on staking and guying trees.

Need More Information on Planting Trees and Shrubs?

Trees provide shade, privacy, and charm to any yard in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. If you’re planning on planting trees or shrubs this fall, follow the above tips. For more information on planting trees or shrubs on your property, go to http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/ho-100.pdf and http://www.arborday.org/.

So You Have Your Trees & Shrubs in the Ground... Now What?

Caring for trees and shrubs in Cleveland and Columbus can be quite a battle due to the harsh Summers and Winters we receive. These extreme weather patterns cause both insect and disease problems with even the healthiest of trees. That's why the folks here at Weed Pro have put together the Ultimate Tree & Shrub Disease and Insect Guide that will help you keep track of the health of your foliage, stopping any problems before they destroy your plants! The best part of this guide is that it's yours, absolutely FREE by clicking on the button below! 

About Wendy:
Wendy Komancheck is an accomplished Freelance Writer for Trade Magazines, Websites, and Local Businesses, specializing in horticultural articles. Check out Wendy's bio and website by Clicking Here. Wendy's Google+ Page