“No shade tree? Blame not the sun but yourself.” Landscape Planting “No shade tree? Blame not the sun but yourself.” -Chinese Proverb Presented by Dr. Teri Hamlin Georgia Department of Education Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office July 2001

Plant establishment 3 most common causes of poor plant establishment planting too deep under watering over watering

Fall is the best time of year to plant roots continue to grow and establish through the winter months

Before Planting Water plants in thoroughly Bare root plants should be soaked 3-6 hours

Inspect & Tease Roots Remove burlap and fabric containers

Planting Ideally dig or till an area the same depth and approx. 5 x the diameter of the root ball

Planting Backfilling with loosened original soil Tamping lightly to eliminate air pockets As soil until even with top of root ball Do not cover root ball with soil

Planting Construct 1-2” soil berm at edge of root ball to entrap irrigation water Of newly planted water directly on root ball After establishment: remove berm to encourage root growth

Transplanting Timing: Dormant stage of plant Keep as much soil around roots as possible Don’t let the root ball dry out Handle plant by the ball, not the trunk or branches

Mulch A plant’s best friend Insulates soil Retains moisture Keeps weeds out Prevents soil compaction Reduces lawn mower / weedeater damage Adds an aesthetic touch

Mulch

Establishment Period

Irrigation effect on establishment

Irrigation How much ? How often? During establishment Minimum of 1” of water per week Water between 9 p.m. - 9 a.m.

Types of Irrigation Sprinkler Micro Sprinkler Drip Irrigation

Drip Irrigation Uses 30-50% less water Efficient and effective application Fewer pest problems Fewer weeds No wind effects Easily automated Economic to install