Planting Tips III: Landscaping Shrubbery

By: Aaron's Nursery Planting Tips I: Fruit and Nut Trees Planting Tips II: Berry Plants Before planting any shrubbery that will be used for landscaping, it is imperative to create a plan for the entire yard so that you know the role the plant will play when it is fully grown. To that extent, consider the plant's final size, root patterns, shading, and requirements. Ensure that the shrubs will healthfully coexist before planting. Although it may take significant time for the shrubbery to mature, the sustainable health and beauty of your yard is more important than immediate aesthetic appeal. Landscaping shrubs, including azaleas, camellia japonicas, evergreens, and crape myrtles, are usually among the most affordable plants and provide an excellent architectural framework for your garden. Plant landscape shrubs in well-drained soil and ensure that the holes you dig for them are significantly wider than their root systems. Create a firm, flat bottom for the hole, allowing the plant to rest straight on its own and do not allow more than the root system to remain underground. If your holes are too deep, fill them up to an appropriate level before continuing to plant. Remember to keep the bottom of the holes firm. Mix topsoil into the soil that you will use to refill the holes. Using a plastic sheet or canvas for mixing makes the cleanup process much more efficient. If your soil is extremely light, feel free to mix in a small amount of peat moss, but use only high-grade mixes. Never mix fertilizers or manure into the soil since it may damage the root systems. Instead, wait until the roots begin to take hold until you fertilize and only use organic fertilizer if you choose to do so. Water your new shrubbery regularly until it is well established. Planting Tips IV: Grapevines