Methods of Planting Ornamental Plants

21.00 Plant selected ornamental plants to establish an attractive landscape

Planting Ornamental PlantsTools vary depending upon type and size of plants from bulb planter, trowel, spade, shovel to power augers and front end loaders.

Planting Ornamental PlantsHole should be larger than plant roots and soil prepared so that new roots will grow in it.Methods of installation are determined by root form whether bare-rooted, balled-and-burlapped or containerized

Balled and Burlapped PlantsBalled and burlapped plants have a round soil ball of roots wrapped in burlap fabric.Planted in flat-bottomed, straight-sided hole that is deeper and wider than the ball.Backfill soil should fill the hole enough to raise the plant to the level at which it grew in the nursery.Loose burlap around top of plant.Mounded ring of soil around plant to catch water.

Balled and Burlapped Plants

Containerized PlantsUse the same type hold, mounded ring, etc. as balled and burlapped.In addition, the plant must be removed from the containerRoots should be unwound or cut at two inch intervals if pot-bound

Bare-rooted PlantsHave to have a mound or dome in the bottom of the hole to spread roots and direct roots to grow downward.

Planting Ornamental PlantsTall plants, even small trees, need to be staked to prevent blowing over.Mulching should be done to help retain water, prevent weeds, improve appearance, and minimize temperature fluctuations.

Handling Ornamental PlantsBalled and burlapped plants should be handled by the root ballContainer grown plants should be handled by the container until removed and then by the root mass

Deciduous/Evergreen

At Planting Time

1st Growing Season

After 1st Growing Season

Mix a slow release fertilizer into the soil mixture. Do no add general purpose fertilizer at planting

If no slow release; 3 times from Mar-Sept 12-4-8/16-4-8/8-8-8/10-10-101 tsp-shrubs or 2 tsp/1” trunk for treesBroadcast

Perforate at drip line

*Not in late summer/early fall because the plants are preparing for dormancy.

Maintenance of Landscape

22.00 Maintain newly planted plants in a given environment

What is landscape maintenance?Landscape maintenance includes watering, fertilizing, mulching, pest control, mowing, edging, winterization and pruning of landscape plants.

MulchingMulching should be done at planting and replaced as needed.Mulch must be replaced over time as it decays.

Mowing LawnsMowing lawns at the correct height for the type of grass and frequently enough to prevent damage is a key to maintaining lawn.

EdgingEdging makes a sharp line of separation between a planting and the lawn.Can be done with tools or with an edging material such as plasticEdging materials should be installed at planting time.

Careful Observation of newly planted shrubs, trees, annuals, and perennials on a regular basis will determine the time and amount of maintenance needed.