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Fall Is For Planting
In the fall, many
gardeners think about football rather then planting.
September and October are ideal planting times as the
days are shorter, cooler and with more rainfall likely.
The soil moisture level is usually high in the fall,
making it a fine time to dig and add trees and shrubs to
the landscape. In contrast to spring, fall planting is
easy for plants as their growth rate has slowed down and
the stress of supplying water to young, tender, leaves
is reduced. Even in the fall, tress and shrubs with
leaves continue to manufacture food using the sun’s
energy until the leaves drop. Healthy plants have energy
to promote new root growth until the soil temperature
drops below 40 degrees F.
Match The Right Plant
With The Right Place
During any planting
season, select plants that will grow well in your
growing site. Take time to test the soil and measure the
space available before choosing landscape plants.
Consider the amount of sun or shade, the soil drainage
and the winter conditions. Mandy eager home landscapers
rush to plant before they are aware of the actual
growing conditions. Visit Agway to preview an extensive
selection of trees and shrubs for fall planting. Ask
about the mature size of plants so you have space for
them. Inquire about specific growing requirements and
choose trees and shrubs that will enhance your existing
landscape.
Planting Guidelines
For Container-Grown and Balled and Burlapped Trees &
Shrubs
1. Always handle the
plant(s) by the container or root system. Never drop
plants.
2. Before leaving Agway,
wrap plants with leaves to protect from windburn while
transporting them. 3.
Set plant near planting site and dig the planting hole
twice as wide as the root system, and just as deep.
4. Remove container and
any non-biodegradable materials from roots of plants.
Natural burlap and twine may be left on the root system.
Loosen after plant is set in planting hole.
5. If roots are tightly
wrapped around root system, use a sharp knife to cut
spiraling roots or loosen gently.
6. Set plant in planting
hole at the same level it was growing in the container
or burlap. In heavy soils that drain poorly, set plant
so top roots are 1-2 inches higher than ground level.
This is especially important with evergreens such as
pines and spruces that need good drainage.
7. Backfill around roots
with a mixture of existing soil, Agway Peat Moss or
Composted Manure and Organic Humus. (2 parts existing
soil, 1 part peat or composted manure).
8. Add Agway Steamed Bone
meal or super phosphates to soil mixture to encourage
rooting. Do not add any other fertilizer for one year
after planting. 9.
Tamp and level soil mixture around roots.
10. Water slowly allowing
water to soak deeply into root system. Water routinely
during the fall until the ground freezes. 11. Spread a
2-3 inch layer of Agway Cedar Bark or Pine Bark Mulch
over roots. 12.
Stake shade trees and any landscape plants that are in
windy locations.
13. Wrap shade trees with young firm bark using a paper
tree wrap to protect the bark from cracking.
Help Them Grow!
Planting is the first
step in maintaining a landscape. Take time to care for
newly planted trees and shrubs as well as established
ones.
Water is vital for good
growth. Check plants regularly and water so that they
receive at least an inch of water every week. Remember
to water in late fall too.
Protect The Roots and
Trunks of landscape plants. Do not disturb the roots by
digging within the root zone and prevent any trunk
injury that would strip or damage the tree bark (weed
trimmers and mowers).
Mulch conserves moisture
in the soil, reduces weedy growth and moderates changes
in soil temperature. Keep a 2-3 inch layer of mulch
around plants all seasons.
Prune dead or diseased
branches from plants regularly. Also prune plants to
thin out branches and maintain an attractive habit of
growth. Consult a trained arborist for pruning tall
shade trees or evergreens.
Fertilize landscape
plants after the first year of planting using Agway
Arborgrow or a specialty Agway Fertilizer Monitor pest
problems routinely. If trouble occurs, try to identify
the pest and consult your Agway specialist for an
effective control.
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