Installing Landscape Plants Mrs. Halkiades CCCHS Fall 2007

The Soil for Installation Correct soil has these qualities Loamy texture (equal parts of sand, peat and soil) Good drainage Suitable pH Balanced nutrients

Root Forms Of Landscape Plants Bedding plants and ground covers Pressed peat pots Plastic packets (inserts) Trees and shrubs Bare-rooted Balled-and-Burlapped (b & b) Containterized

Balled-and-burlapped Root Form Advantages Disadvantages Bare-rooted Inexpensive Lightweight Easy to transport Reduced root system Early spring transplant Small Balled-and-burlapped Larger plants Less damage to root system Spring and fall Expensive Heavy and bulky Large=equipment Containerized Less expensive than b&b Root system intact Spring, summer, fall Seldom large sizes Root bound

Balled-and- Burlapped Hole Flat-bottomed Straight sides 50% wider and deeper than ball Burlap Loosened Not removed Completely buried Plastic or wire Completely removed

Containerized Hole Removing plants from container Same as b&b Removing plants from container One hand on soil surface of container and tilt with other hand Support root system as the plant slides out If it does not slide out, cut container NEVER pull the plant out of the container NEVER punch to remove plant

Pot-Bound If a containerized plant is pot-bound: Make vertical cuts at 2-inch intervals New roots will develop

Bare-rooted Keep roots moist Hole Always stake! Must have a mounded bottom Allows plant’s roots to spread over it and encourage their natural orientation downward 50% wider and deeper than root system Watch for air pockets Always stake!

Staking a Tree Why stake? Hold the plant straight until the roots become established in new location Wires should be flagged with reflective tape or cloth to prevent tripping

Tree Wrap Wrap trees to prevent burning of bark Reduces water loss Start at bottom and work towards top Keep wrap in place for 1 year or until it decomposes (whichever comes first)

Groundcovers / Bedding Plants Prepare entire bed As weed free as possible Use tiller to loosen soil Preemergence herbicide to reduce maintenance Remove plastic containers

Groundcovers / Bedding Plants Spacing depends upon species and the speed of coverage desired Install groundcovers in a staggered pattern Water plants before transplanting Shallow root system Water frequently and deeply

Bulbs Rich, well-drained soil Flower beds, borders, or as masses Planted in ground with base oriented downward and the shoot upward Depths depend on type

Tubers and Rhizomes Installed in mounds Horizontally Roots directed downward

Mulching Benefits Water is retained in the soil Less wilting Weed growth is discouraged Aesthetic appearance improved Soil temp. fluctuation in minimized Repeated freezing/thawing causes heaving Exposes roots Damages bark Entry of pathogens or insects

Mulching Benefits 4. Soil temp. fluctuation i minimized Repeated freezing/thawing causes heaving Exposes roots Damages bark Entry of pathogens or insects

Types of Mulch Organic Inorganic Peat moss Wood chips Shredded bark Pine needles Inorganic Marble chips Crushed stone Brick chips Shredded tires

Make a Chart!! What do you think are some advantages and disadvantages of each type of mulch?? You have 3 minutes!! GO!!!

ORGANIC Advantages Disadvantages May reduce moisture loss Contribute to soil nutrition No mowing hazard Disadvantages May alter soil pH Flammable Reduce nitrogen content Requires replacement Supports weed growth

INORGANIC Advantages Disadvantages Seldom alters soil pH Nonflammable Does not biodegrade Disadvantages Does not improve soil nutrition Hazard if thrown by mower Does not biodegrade

More Mulch Apply 3-4 inches deep Plastic or Cloth Reduce sunlight Discourages weed growth Plastic or Cloth Can work on flat ground Washes off of unlevel ground

Review Questions Are the following characteristics of: Bare Rooted Balled-and-Burlapped Containerized Lightweight and easily transported Usually the most expensive Plants may become pot-bound

Review Questions True/False 4. B&B plants are installed in a hole with a mounded bottom. 5. Correct soil for plant installation should be loamy. 6. It is okay to pull plants from a container, if it is stuck. 7. It is okay to cut the roots of a pot-bound plant at 2 inch intervals. 8. Organic mulches provide a mowing hazard. 9. Bare rooted plants should always be staked. 10. Mulch should be applied 3-4 inches deep.