0
Spring Planting: A Guide for Beginners
Spring is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. The soil is warm and moist, and the days are getting longer, which gives plants plenty of time to establish themselves before the hot summer months.
Choosing the Right Plants for Spring Planting
Not all trees and shrubs do well with spring planting. Some, like trees with fleshy roots, are better off being planted in the fall. However, there are many trees and shrubs that thrive when planted in the spring.
- Trees that do well with spring planting: magnolias, tulip trees, oaks, dogwoods
- Shrubs that do well with spring planting: broadleaf evergreen shrubs (boxwood, rhododendrons, hollies, mountain laurel)
How to Plant Trees and Shrubs in Spring
- Choose a planting site. The planting site should be well-drained and receive plenty of sunlight.
- Dig a hole. The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Place the plant in the hole. Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Backfill the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp it down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water the plant. Water the plant deeply and regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
- Mulch around the plant. Mulching helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Tips for Spring Tree Planting
- Warm up the soil. You can speed up the soil warming process by removing mulch from the planting area about 10 days before planting.
- Dig a large enough hole. The hole should be three times wider and twice as deep as the root ball.
- Water deeply. Water the tree deeply right after planting. This helps to remove air pockets around the roots and sets up a firm contact between the roots and the soil.
- Add mulch. Add a deep layer of mulch around the tree to protect the roots from cold nights.
Tips for Spring Shrub Planting
- Water regularly. Shrubs need regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
- Protect from winter damage. Broadleaf evergreen shrubs are especially vulnerable to winter damage. Water them deeply and regularly during the fall and winter, and mulch around them to protect the roots.
Landscaping Tips for Spring Planting
- Consider the size and shape of the plants. When choosing plants for your landscape, consider their size and shape. You don’t want to plant a tree that will outgrow its space or a shrub that will block a walkway.
- Choose plants that bloom at different times. This will give your landscape color throughout the year.
- Group plants together. Grouping plants together creates a more cohesive look and makes it easier to care for them.
By following these tips, you can successfully plant trees and shrubs in the spring and enjoy a beautiful landscape for years to come.
