March 17, 2018

Adding trees and shrubs to the landscape is not an everyday occurrence, in fact, planting trees in your yard is something you rarely do. Unless you move onto a new property, you might not plant trees at all. This is especially true if the original trees were selected correctly and planted properly. Trees and shrubs enhance the appearance of your home and increase property values. Trees should be able to withstand winter storms without too much damage.

It is essential to plant healthy trees that are disease and pest resistant. Nothing can ruin the appeal of a lovely landscape more than a dead or dying tree. Count on your landscaping professional to choose trees that are hardy, healthy, right for your property and then to plant them correctly. Planting a tree for optimum appearance and performance includes getting it into the ground in the right way and at the right time of year. The right planting technique helps your trees survive spring and winter storms.

Tree Selection

Large Healthy TreeOf course, this professional will consult with you about what you desire in your trees. Ideally, they’ll be part of a Master Design plan for your entire property. Many trees are balled and wrapped in burlap, meaning they’ve been started on the ground and then dug up and wrapped in burlap to protect the root ball. Tree professionals in many areas prefer to plant in autumn. This gives the tree a chance to develop a root system without the competition of leaves coming out.

Once planted, maintenance and upkeep of your trees ensure they remain in top condition. Often, a yearly checkup is a good option. The tree professional will keep an eye out for pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer and prune out damaged branches. Some trees need to be pruned into a single trunk as they mature. Spraying of fungicide may be part of the yearly upkeep.

Planting Shrubs

Shrubs are important to the look of your yard as well. While the longevity of some shrubs is not that of many trees, some species take hold and grow to be a large bushes or even a small tree. Others remain medium-sized while some stay small. Some shrubs require pruning on a regular basis. Others look best with a natural, uninterrupted flow of growth. Shrubs are best planted by the landscape contractor, as well.
Maintenance of shrubs includes pruning and pest control. The yearly checkup will include care of your bushes. Keep in mind, when pruning flowering shrubs, pruning at the wrong time of year can remove the next season’s blooms.

Preparing for Planting

Before planting trees and shrubs, you will select the location. The location will need to get the appropriate amount of sunlight for the species of trees and shrubs you are planting. You’ll want to plant shade trees so they will grow to shade the roof. Sometimes the soil must be amended to accommodate the new trees and shrubs. The professional contractor takes these steps before planting begins.