How to Grow Shrubs and Trees Organically
Growing shrubs and trees organically means you avoid using any synthetic fertilizers or industrial pesticides that can harm the environment. Organic gardeners opt to use vegetable or animal fertilizers along with beneficial insects or natural substances to ward off pests. With proper soil preparation and suitable trees and shrubs, you can work with nature to grow a beautiful, healthy organic landscape.
Things You Need:
Compost
Organic Fertilizer
Gardening Tools
Tiller
Shovel
Mulch
- Choose local varieties of shrubs and trees that are well-adapted to the climate and regional environment. Plant during the early spring or late fall. When transporting new plants, protect them from heat and wind damage.
- Choose your location carefully, based on the growing requirements of your individual tree and shrub selections. Till the entire location where you plan to plant the trees and shrubs organically. Allow plenty of space between plantings, and plant far from structures.
- Dig your planting holes about twice the size of your tree or shrub's root balls and mix organic compost into the soil. Place your trees and shrubs into the holes and cover the root balls with soil; avoid covering the trunk with soil.
- Compress the soil down to remove any air pockets. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants and water deeply.
- Keep watering regularly and avoid allowing the trees and shrubs to dry or wilt between waterings. When new leaves begin to sprout in spring, apply a natural, organic fertilizer.
- Prune trees and shrubs in late fall after the first frost during the first five years, removing crossed or weak branches to help shape the tree or shrub as desired.
- Check trees and shrubs often for signs of pest infestation and disease, including browning or chewed leaves, wilting or gnarled growth. Treat with organic products or beneficial insects as soon as the problem is noticed.