Tips from the Planting Professionals
How To Plant A Tree
How To Plant A Shrub
Plant Selection
Choose your tree or shrub based on your landscape needs, like flowering, evergreen, screening, hedge, shade or border. Be sure to consider the ultimate size of each plant – which tends to be different in Oklahoma than what you’ll read on a generic label. Speak with a TLC Expert for guidance in selecting the proper tree for your location.
Call OKIE
Call OKIE at 811 to have your utility lines marked before planting. This service is free of charge, but takes 48 hours to be completed. Also be sure to keep in mind any overhead power lines.
Dig Hole
The planting area should in well-drained soil with proper sunlight for the tree selected. Dig the hole twice the width of the root ball or container. The depth of the hole should be 3-4” shallower than the root ball. This will allow the root ball to be planted slightly higher than the surrounding soil.
Prepare Soil
Prepare your soil with a mixture of 50% Back To Earth™ Composted Cotton Burrs and 50% existing soil. If you are planting in clay soil, add a 10% ratio of Soil Menders™ Expanded Shale to ensure better drainage.
Set Plant
Remove the shrub or tree from its container, keeping the root ball intact. If your tree comes wrapped in natural burlap, do not remove the burlap or any wire basket around the root ball. Place the root ball in the center of the hole. Check to make sure that the top of the root ball is 3-4 inches higher than the surrounding ground.
Back fill
Tamp the prepared backfill soil firmly around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. Cut any twine or rope around the tree trunk to prevent girdling of the truck. Pull down or cut away the burlap to expose the top 1 to 2 inches of the top of the root ball. Do not place backfill soil over the top of the root ball, but mound to cover all sides of the root ball.
Water In
Immediately after planting, slowly water the tree or shrub from the top of the root ball until the soil is saturated. Later in the day, water a second time using Fertilome™ Root Stimulator to stimulate early root growth and stability. This is the only fertilizer your tree will need for its first year and it should be applied every two weeks – even in winter – to promote root growth.
Mulch
Keep the grass and weeds away from your tree for at least two years to prevent competition for water and nutrients. A layer of Grade A Cypress or Grade A Cedar Mulch placed to a depth of 2 inches over the area of the hole will discourage grass growth and conserve moisture. If necessary, you may pull the mulch back to inspect the soil moisture of the root ball.
Stake
Most new trees or tall shrubs planted in Oklahoma require staking for wind protection for a minimum of two years. DeWitt™ Stake Straight Kit is excellent for tree under 2” caliper. Larger trees may require a larger stake such as a T-Post. Keep in mind the support straps need to be placed above a bottom branch and the stakes need to be in solid soil (not newly dug soil). Periodically check the staking to ensure they firmly hold the tree, but the straps aren’t so tight they cause abrasion on the trunk.
Troubleshooting
Periodically inspect your trees and shrubs to detect insect, fungus or environmental problems. Be on the lookout for: defoliation, chewed or discolored leaves, ants or sawdust coming from holes in the bark. If problems exist, please bring a sample of the damage to TLC Garden Centers for identification and recommendations. You may also Ask the Experts.
First Year Care
Now that your new tree or shrub is planted, take these steps to ensure strong, vigorous growth and a healthy, long life. Adequate watering is the main key to plant survival. After planting, water trees as needed to keep the soil evenly damp – but not wet. Do not rely on sprinkler systems alone to properly water new plantings. A Dramm Tree Soaker Ring is an inexpensive but effective water applicator. Do not water plants if the soil is wet from rainfall or your previous watering.
Apply Fertilome Root Stimulator every two weeks for the first year. After the tree or shrub has been planted for one year, fertilize twice a year, in early fall and again in early spring, with TLC Tree, Shrub, and Landscape Food. A systemic insecticide such as Bio Advanced™ Tree and Shrub-Protect & Feed should also be applied in spring to protect the plant from unwanted pest damage. Winter watering is also very important. Water your plants at least once a week during the winter if we do not receive measurable precipitation.
Keep in mind, Oklahoma has experienced periods of severe drought conditions the past few years. The proper watering of your plants is critical to their health and survival.
