Horticulture II - Landscape Unit C Landscape Installation and Maintenance Objective 5.04 Understand Procedures used to plant, stake/guy, and mulch landscape plants Procedures for Planting B&B, Containerized, and Bare-root Trees or Shrubs Select plants appropriate for location (Objective 3.02) Use proper tools for the job (Objective 5.01) Dig the hole the correct size and shape Balled and Burlapped (B&B) and containerized trees and shrubs are planted in flatbottomed, straight-sided holes that are 2-3 times as wide as the root ball or container and the same depth as the root ball or container or 2-3 inches less in wet locations Bare-rooted trees and shrubs are planted in a hole that is wide enough to prevent crowding of roots. Depth should be such that plant is the same depth or 2-3 inches less in wet locations Procedures for Planting B&B, Containerized, and Bare-root Trees or Shrubs Put tree or shrub in the hole properly B&B plants should be lifted by grasping at crown and supporting the root ball with the other hand to prevent damage to the plant Containerized plants should be carried by lifting the container to prevent removing plant from the container and breaking soil from the roots Bare-root plants can be lifted by grasping the trunk or strong branches because there is a minimum amount of soil around roots Gently place plant in hole to prevent damage and position for best appearance Procedures for Planting B&B, Containerized, and Bare-root Trees or Shrubs Position the plant in the hole at the correct height Plant crown should be the same depth as it was before being transplanted or 2-3 inches higher if the site is wet. If planted too deep, drowning could occur. If planted too shallow, roots will dry out and will not be deep enough to stabilize the plant Remove top half of burlap from B&B plants so that roots can grow. If wrapped in non-biodegradable materials, remove all the material because roots will not grow through it Containerized plants should be removed from the container so that the roots can grow into the soil If there is a wire basket around the root ball, the wire should be cut away from the top of the root ball to prevent damage to the plant Procedures for Planting B&B, Containerized, and Bare-root Trees or Shrubs Backfill with the appropriate soil The soil used to fill the hole around the roots should be the same or similar to surrounding soil if it is good soil If the plant site is packed or unfit to grow plants, soil should be loosened and enriched with a commercial soil mixture such as potting soil The persons installing the plant should tap the backfill soil with their feet to eliminate air pockets, but not hard enough to compact the soil Water should be added as the backfill is put back into the hole especially for plants with large soil balls to move the soil under the rounded soil ball Procedures for Planting B&B, Containerized, and Bare-root Trees or Shrubs Create a dam around the plant pit Make an earthen dam about 4-6 inches high around the filled in hole to collect water Water the plant slowly until the created “saucer” is filled. Give water time to soak in and repeat three or four times to be certain water is all the way to the bottom of backfill Stake or guy (tree only). (Covered later in objective) Rake and smooth surface area around the plant Clean up and store tools Procedures for Planting Bedding Plants, Ground Covers, and Bulbs Select plants or bulbs appropriate for location (Objective 3.02) Use proper tools for the job (Objective 5.01) Loosen soil to make a cultivated bed (Objective 5.02) Remove bedding plants and ground covers from containers unless the containers are biodegradable so that roots will not be bound in container Plant bedding plants and ground covers about the same depth as it was before being transplanted or slightly higher is the site is wet. If planted too deep, drowning could occur. If planted too shallow, roots will dry out and will not be deep enough to stabilize the plant Space plants to get the desired results. Closer spacing will cover the bed faster. Plants should be planted in a staggered pattern Procedures for Planting Bedding Plants, Ground Covers, and Bulbs Plant bulbs in desired pattern, at proper depth, and with shoot pointing up and the base pointed down to get a uniform bed of flowers Backfill around plants and bulbs to prevent air pockets Water frequently to prevent drying out and to help plant develop deep roots Clean up and store tools Staking vs. Guying (used to stabilize plants) Staking Use one, two, or three wood or metal stakes driven into the ground parallel to the trunk of the tree Stakes should be tall enough to extend 8 inches above point of attachment Often wire or fabric webbing is used to attach tree to stakes with protective covering to prevent girdling and bark damage Remove after one year Staking vs. Guying (used to stabilize plants) Guying Stabilize trees with wire or fabric but utilize anchoring devices that are driven into the ground Use to steady larger trees versus staking Always provide support against prevailing winds All apparatus should be removed after one year to prevent girdling of plant material Procedures for Staking a Tree Drive stakes at the correct location in relationship to the tree and root ball. Stakes should be in solid soil, not in backfill Attach the tying material (nylon straps or rope) about 6 inches above the highest point where the trunk can be bent by the wind but will return to its upright position Attach supports at the correct tension that give support, but do not bind or bend the tree Use flagging tape where straps or ropes would be potential hazards to the public Clean up and store tools Procedures for Guying a Tree Drive hardwood or metal stakes at 45 degree angles in undisturbed soil to avoid damaging tree roots and to increase holding strength Use rubber hose to wrap wires that are around the tree at the crotch or lower lateral branches to protect tree bark Attach three wires with rubber hose protection to connect the tree to the stakes Twist wires or install turnbuckles in the wires to tighten wires so that the trunk can be bent by the wind but will return to its upright position Use flagging tape on wires where wires would be potential hazards to the public Clean up and store tools Types of Mulch Types of mulches and characteristics Organic – shredded bark, pine needles, peat moss, wood chips Reduce loss of soil moisture by covering and shading soil May improve soil nutrition by adding organic matter May change soil pH because some are acidic May temporarily reduce nitrogen in soil because nitrogen is used in the decaying process May be flammable when dry May increase weed growth by adding weed seeds Require replacement due to decay Are NOT a mowing hazard if they get on the lawn Types of Mulch Types of mulches and characteristics Inorganic – crushed stone, shredded tires, brick chips Reduce loss of soil moisture because of heat Do not improve soil nutrition because they are NOT organic Seldom change soil pH Have no effect on nitrogen in soil Are not flammable Do NOT require replacement due to decay Are a mowing hazard if they get on the lawn Methods of Applying Mulch Hand – spread by hand or by using hand tools Chips or shredded bark should be applied 3-4” to provide a uniform cover and to be deep enough to help prevent soil from drying out. Keep the mulch 3-12” away from the trunks of trees (depending on the diameter of the tree) to allow tree to get air Pine needles should be spread to a depth of 2” and tucked and rolled along the front edge to provide a uniform cover and to be deep enough to help prevent soil from drying out. (Note: monitor soil pH when using pine needle mulch since decomposed pine needles are acidic) Stone should be spread to a depth of 2” to provide a uniform cover Shredded rubber (long lasting) should be spread 2-3” deep to provide a uniform cover Methods of Applying Mulch Mechanical – spread by machines Hydromulcher – process by which mulch is mixed with water and a tackifier (sticky substance). The mixture is then sprayed on the surface of the site to hold soil in place. Straw blower – chops and blows straw on lawns after installation or renovation to hold soil in place Used on large areas and on slopes
