1. “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

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

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

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

5. Inspect & Tease Roots
Remove burlap and fabric containers

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Mulch

12. Establishment Period

13. Irrigation effect on establishment

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

15. Types of Irrigation
Sprinkler
Micro Sprinkler
Drip Irrigation

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