CHOOSING AND CARING FOR TREES AND SHRUBS

 

 Trees and shrubs add much when it comes to curb appeal.  Evergreens and drought tolerant plants can really enhance a xeriscape.  It can be quite simple to add these features and if you include a drip system then the maintenance is quite low.  There are some things to keep in mind when planting trees and shrubs.  Consider the area that you want to put the plants.  Is it full sun? or full shade? Is it in the lawn? Is it in a xeriscape? Is it deciduous (will leaves fall in the winter)?  This is important to know so that you can be prepared to have some fall cleanup.  How often does it need to be trimmed?  Do I want flowers, fruit, colorful leaves? These are just a few questions to consider when looking to add a tree or shrub to your landscape.  Each month we feature different trees and shrubs at a discount price.  Check back every month and see if we offer the one you are looking for. Call us about our tree and shrub application program to keep your investment healthy and strong.

 

This is a good example of a tree in full sun. It shades the front of the house nicely and adds a nice touch to the small front yard. It is a deciduous tree.  The shrubs on the left accent the corner of the yard nicely.  

  As you can see, shrubs that come in a variety of sizes and shapes make this corner look interesting.
   

Shrubs and trees around the perimeter of a yard can add some nice shade for a back yard picnic.

Trees and shrubs should be watered every 10 to 14 days. Ideally  the soil should be moistened to a depth of 3 feet over the root area. Evaporation can be kept to a minimum by maintaining mulch around the base of the plant. Fruit trees will require a consistent watering schedule to avoid drought stress.  Drought stress will keep fruit from growing to it’s full size and can reduce the fruit’s flavor. Don’t forget to thin fruit when necessary to keep branches from breaking. Do not fertilize your trees and shrubs during the hot summer season.

 Water deep and water long.  That doesn’t mean you have to water 5 times a week.  Typically a good long soak with a soaker hose around the perimeter and in the case of trees, at the edge of the tree’s canopy, at least once every two weeks is the best way to keep your trees and shrubs watered. Most people think they should be watering at the trunk, but by doing this you may be encouraging root rot.

The root system extends beyond the canopy looking for moisture. (see diagram on the right) In order to keep your plants and trees healthy at this time, make sure to water to a depth of 18 to 24 inches.  The best way to do this is to use a soaker hose.  These hoses have small holes along the entire length.  They let water out nice and slow, which gives it time to seep down into the ground where the roots are. The benefits of this type of watering are good strong roots and healthy plants with beautiful leaves, stems and blooms. 

The best way to remember when to water is to put it on your calendar then when you start to water, set your timer (so you don’t leave it running for the next two weeks!)  About 1-2 hours of slow watering is about all you need to do unless it’s a really big tree. If you are watering trees put the hose around the perimeter of the tree about 2 feet from the trunk.  Slowly move the hose out to the outskirts of the canopy.  Remember that the root system extends all the way out to the edge of the canopy.  Shrubs also need to be watered around the drip line, but for a lot less time.  Most shrubs are on timers with bubblers or drip, which work the same way the soaker hoses do.  If your shrubs are looking droopy make sure your drip system is working properly especially as temperatures start to rise.