Fall and winter are the best time of the year for planting trees and shrubs. The cooler weather reduces transplant shock and soil temperatures remain warm enough to allow roots to grow. The result is a much stronger plant next spring when the plant begins putting on new growth. Local nurseries also have new shipments of shrubs available, and soon after the first freeze, freshly dug trees will arrive.
Now is the time to call WesternLawns to have new plantings installed around your property. Or if you decide to do your own planting at WesternLawns, 405.943.4242 before you get started for help in selecting the proper plants for your setting. For a nominal fee, WesternLawns can develop a master plan for your landscape giving you a master plan for future planting.
If you choose to do your planting this fall, follow these procedures:
Digging the hole:
- Just as deep as the root ball, if there is disturbed soil below the root ball, it will cause settling later. The hole needs to be two-three times wider than the plant.
Amending the soil:
- Amend the soil you remove by mixing Back to Nature, a composted organic material, with soil. Manure, humalfa, peat moss or your own compost will also work as a soil amendment.
Placing the plant:
- Before placing the plant in the hole, back fill with some of the amended soil. Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is at or above ground level. If you have tight clay soils, it is always best to raise the plant 1 inch above the existing grade. Because of the clay soil in central Oklahoma, plants often die from being planted too low rather than too high.
Back filling:
- Gradually refill the hole using your amended soil and add slow release tree and shrub fertilizer as you go. When the hole is almost full, soak the area around the shrub with water to remove any air pockets. Lightly tamp the soil and complete the back filling until the soil is level with the root ball. Mix any leftover amended soil in to the ground around your planting.
Watering:
- Continue to water the plants twice per week throughout the winter. Remember plants die quicker from freeze damage when they are dry than when they are moist.
If you would like to have a professional Landscape Design and Installation, call or email WesternLawns at 405.943.4242 or petemoss@westernlawns.com.