Ms. Gripshover Landscaping Unit 16

» Identify the different methods of harvesting plant materials used by the nursery » trade. » Prepare for planting trees, shrubs, and ground covers. » Outline proper planting techniques. » Describe the methods of planting annuals and perennials. » Understand the importance of the use of mulch, landscape fabric, antitranspirants, and climate.

» Plants are sold in many different ways » It is important to pick the best desired harvest so that rates of transplant are high » They are produced in 3 basic methods: 1.Container grown- grown and sold in containers +Easy to handle +Suitable for evergreen and broadleaf shrubs, herbaceous, perennials, and annuals 2. Balled & burlapped (B&B)- grown in a field, dug up with the soil ball, then wrapped in burlap + suitable for herbaceous shrubs, and larger specimens 3. Bare root (BR)- grow in the field, harvested when dormant, cleaned to remove soil, and stored in a cool place +Must keep moist +Suitable for many perennials, especially roses, bulbs, some herbaceous trees

» When installing consider: ˃Water requirements +Amount of h20 needed for plant growth +Xeriscaping- using drought tolerant plants) ˃Growth rate ˃Hardiness +Plant suitability to a particular climate (recall the hardiness zone map) +Hardy plant- tough plant +Tender plant- weak plant ˃Nutrient & pH needs +Pick plants that will do well in that area so not a lot of attention is needed such as soil amendments

» Transporting plants takes special care ˃Cover with a tarp to prevent wind burn, sunscald, etc. » In most climates, spring is the best time to plant ˃Generally heavy rain ˃Plants are entering their most active growth cycle » Some plants such as perennials and woody trees can be planted in the fall » If you must plant in the summer take these precautions: ˃Mulching ˃Heavy watering ˃Possibly a sunshield

» For B&B Plants: ˃Dig hole 12” bigger than the soil ball ˃The soil ball should be level with surrounding soil and the bottom flat (this allows for the same growing conditions it once had) ˃Pull the burlap and twine away from the trunk and bury » Container Plants: ˃Remove container ˃If it has root circling, break the roots up so they will spread and continue to grow once planted » Bare root Plants: ˃Remove the plastic/ wrapping ˃Dig hole as deep as longest root and 12” in diameter ˃Form a mound in the bottom of the hole and rest the stem on it ˃Spread out roots and fill » Build a trench around the parameter of the plant and water

» Small trees usually do not have to be staked ˃Not staking also helps the roots to grow better » Trees 6- 12’ tall may need it » Drive 2- 3 long wooden stakes into the ground on the edge of the plant hole and attach wire between the stakes » When wrapping around the tree, use something to protect the trunk from the wire » Guying is done for trees 12’ or higher ˃Cables are attached to the tree trunk which are in turn anchored to the stakes in the ground

Staking Guying

» Annuals are colorful and inexpensive ˃Flowers in front of shrubs create a flower border ˃Flower beds are when they contain only flowers +Tall plants in the back, short in the front +Keep it simple, placing the same species together is more visually appealing » Easy to install if soil is well prepared ˃Bed is free of grass/ weeds ˃Till in some fertilizer within the top 6” ˃Awareness of environmental factors » Small holes the size and depth of the soil ball, water well

» Perennials grow two or more growing seasons are fairly more expensive than annuals ˃Can dvided into woody or herbacesous » Most have a distinct, short bloom time ˃Planting plants that bloom at different times will create color all year » Soil needs to be well prepared because ammending the soil after plants are installed is difficult » Place into holes the size and depth of their growing container » Water well » Plants species together of 3 or more » Taller plants in the back or middle

» Once planted, follow- up care is necessary ˃Watering, weeding, fertilizing, etc. » Mulch helps plants by reducing water loss, preventing weeds, keeping soil temperature uniform, protecting roots, and preventing erosion » Spread 2- 4” with a small area near the base of the plant without mulch » Organic mulch ex: wood ships, pine needles, tree bark, etc. ˃Organic generally need to be added toe very year » Inorganic mulch ex: gravel, stone, sand, brick chips, etc. ˃Doesn’t usually need to be topped off every year

» Landscape fabric is like a mesh. Allows air and water to pass through but restricts weed growth » It is covered with 4” of mulch » Antitranspirant is an aerosol product applied to leaves of plant to reduce transpiration ˃Used when transporting plants or just after transplanting to help plants survive ˃Cuts down water loss