*Be on the lookout for any plant ailments that could possibly kill the plant. Visit our professionals at Saunoris Brothers Nursery to help diagnose and treat and plant problems.
Planting is simple, but a few pointers will assure positive plant development.
Be sure to plant the shrub or tree 1-2" above the ground. Do NOT plant too deep or it will kill the plant.
If the plant is in a burlap sac leave the burlap on the plant but uncover as to just expose the top part of the ball. Burlap is biodegradable.
If potted, take the plant out of the pot and slice with a utility knife on four sides of the roots to prevent the plant from becoming root bound.
Soil amendments will help the plant acclimate better, but be sure to use only 50% soil additives mixed with 50% of the back-fill soil.
Lastly, be sure to keep the plant watered properly allowing sufficient time to drain.
Proper Care of Nursery Stock:
Decidious:
Water new shrubs every second day for the first two weeks. Be sure to water the base of the shrub and the root zone thoroughly and then spray down the
entire plant to prevent wilting. Shrubs under 3 feet high need approximately 5 gallons of water, shrubs over 3 feet in height will need about 10 gallons
of water. If the plant appears dry, wilted with brittle leaves then hose down the entire plant daily and feed with a starter fertilizer once per month.
If plant leaves turn yellow-brown and the base of the plant begins to turn black and rotten, then you are watering too much.
After the first two weeks of care, plants can be watered once per week or as needed. Fertilize once per year in May and apply insecticides and
fungicides as needed. Prune whenever dead branches are present, but preferably after the plant has bloomed for the year. Remove old, woody branches
back down to the ground when the plant becomes too bushy.
Examples of shrubs that should be pruned in early spring:
Althea, Spirea, Hydrangea,
Viburnum, Vicary. Examples of shrubs that should be pruned after blooming: Deutzia, Forsythia, Lilac, Honeysuckle, Mockorange, Quince, Barberry,
Dogwood, Weigela and Snowball.
Evergreens:
Water newly planted evergreens every third day for the first two weeks no more than 5 minutes at a time. Established evergreens are usually very
tolerant of dry conditions and there is more danger of over watering than under watering.
After the first two weeks, the young roots should be
taking hold - so cut back the watering to only long, hot, dry spells - and then just once per week. Fertilize evergreens twice per year, once in
mid-May and again at the end of July.
Never feed after September 1st. Prune only if necessary, and only in late June - after the spring growth has
hardened off. Hedges can be sheared anytime. Spray Juniper varieties monthly during the growing season to prevent red spider mite damage
(use Isotox or similar product).
Trees:
Water newly planted trees, every third day for the first two weeks. After this, water once per week, thoroughly. Then, after one month, cut
back to twice per month - unless the tree appears wilted.
It is typical for a newly planted tree to wilt quickly in hot, windy weather.
When this occurs, hose down the entire tree twice per day, until it recovers. Also feed with a starter fertilizer during this time.
*Be on the lookout for any plant ailments that could possibly kill the plant. Visit our professionals at Saunoris Brothers Nursery to help diagnose and treat and plant problems.