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Florida Tree and Shrub Installation Tips

By Kurt On March 14, 2009 Add Your Comment

Planting trees and shrubs requires more than just digging a hole and putting them is the ground. Many times I have seen landscaping companies and home owners install new shrubs only to watch some of them die from incorrect planting. This is not only a waste of time but more important, a loss of money. In today’s economy, no one can afford that to happen. You don’t have to be a professional horticulturist to be successful and have the landscape you desire. It all starts at the beginning with a good foundation.

Before purchasing selection is very important. Make sure that you only choose trees and shrubs that will adapt to each location. Quality is also important so shop at a reputable garden center or nursery.

For shrubs, pick ones that are not “Broken”, “Cracked”, or “Scared”. For trees, choose ones that are “Upright” and full of Branches (Not Thin). Look at the foliage. If they are Dropping their Leaves or don’t look Healthy with Droopy Leaves. If they are, Don’t Buy Them!

Planting Tips For Trees and Shrubs

1)	Prepare area by removing debris such as rocks, dead leaves, dead branches, and old mulch using a garden rake. Grade area to a proper level for proper drainage.
2)	Do Not add amendments for they are not beneficial to use when planting. The roots will be kept from spreading. Shrub Roots need to grow beyond the branch spread. Roots of large trees need to grow at least 30-feet from the trunk, providing support and for them to find nutrients.
3)	Remove tree or shrubs from it’s container by laying it on it’s side and hitting the pot with heel of your hand. pull it out after it has been loosened. If it does not come out freely, cut the container down the side away the “Root Ball”.
4)	Break apart “Root Ball”  down the side with garden shears, an ax, or your hand. This gives the roots a chance to grow outward to become established quicker, and absorbing nutrients and water faster.
5)	Avoid air pockets by filling the hole with water first. Place tree or shrub in the hole and fill the sides with dirt but not compacting it to tightly. Water after the tree or shrub when you are finished planting.
6)	Do Not Plant or Bury Trees or Shrubs Too Deep. Plant them no deeper than they have been grown in the container. The “Root Ball” should be even or slightly above the soil surface to allow for settling. I recommend slightly above. Planting at the correct level assures they will receive the right amount of air.
7)	Plant the good side facing forward (the direction you want them to be seen) because they might not have been shaped properly by the retailer or nursery before being sold. This is especially for shrubs. Proper pruning after tree or shrubs become established will help them to grow well-rounded.
	Do Not Plant shrubs too close to each other. You want to give them room to grow to their mature size (Read Label) It is important to know how each type will eventually grow in size. For placement - Plant shrubs Three Feet apart and Three feet away from Buildings, or Fences. Over planting is a common mistake causing over-crowding and over spending.
9)	Apply mulch over the root ball around the base at a two-to-three inch layer. Do Not pile mulch up against the trunk of the tree or shrub leaving space, and spread it evenly around it. Too much mulch piled against shrubs can cause root or stem rot. They need air circulation.
10)	Fertilize after “Thirty Days” of planting. Place Granular Fertilizer one to two feet away from the trunk around the tree or shrub at an even rate. Place top of mulch or pull mulch apart and place on top of the soil. Follow directions for amount on the fertilizer label.
11)	When planting  trees, it is important they have a strong foundation and are placed upright. Staking larger trees is recommended for support protecting them from wind before roots become established. form a saucer like basin with a burm around the tree to aid in watering.
12)	Do Not plant trees that will become large too close to buildings for the roots can damage the foundation. Limbs can break off during storms damaging roofs and windows.
13)	Do Not plant trees where the roots will grow under driveways and sidewalks for the roots can damage concrete or brick Plus, the tree can have health problems from roots being buried under them.
14)	Remember if you have a large tree on your property line the owner is responsible for trimming limbs growing into your neighbors yard, and any damage done from broken falling limbs.

Following these Tree and Shrub Installation Tips will ensure healthy growing trees and shrubs in Florida.

Kurt Kmetz

Bedding Plants - Selection and Preparation

By Kurt On February 28, 2009 Add Your Comment

Bedding plants offer many choices of colorful flowers such as Annuals and Perennials and complete any Florida landscape. They add beauty and value to your home when done the right way. They offer a rewarding feeling that is pleasurable for everyone of all ages. It is fun and relaxing to work in your garden, getting outside and closer to nature.

Florida has three climate zones, the North, the Central, and south or Southern regions. This makes the state open to many different varieties giving versatility and flexibility. You will find choices for your area  all year long no matter what the season at your local nursery and garden center.

Annuals and Perennials

Bedding plants are Annuals and Perennials. There is a difference between the two so you can make a choice for yourself. Annuals are most widely use because of the many varieties during the seasons during the year. There are many choices and types that grow in the spring, summer, fall, and winter with lots of color.

Annuals are grown from seed producing flowers and eventually die at the end of each growing season. they need to be replaced with new ones at the end of their growing cycle.

Perennials bloom once during a season and last up to one or two months, depending upon the type. They will live for three years or more. When they become extra tall they can be divided to create separate plants.

Choosing a Location

Bedding plants are used as an accent and not as a dominate feature in the landscape. Place them in front of the home harmonizing with the total setting. Colors should blend with each other and with the house. It is not recommended to have large islands in front with bedding plants. They are used as borders along Shrubs and Fences.

Use them as small flower beds standing alone. Place them as edging along side walks and driveways. They are good under porches, decks, and along patios. Even if you don’t have area’s such as listed above, plant them in Pots, Tubs, Planters, or Hanging Baskets. no matter what situation, you can have colorful flowers to add beauty to your home.

Selecting and Purchasing Bedding Plants

As in all plants, light requirements need to be considered. They will require either Full Sun, Partial Shade, or Full Shade, depending on the type. Read the Tags or Labels found on the plant or pot for this information when shopping for them at your local nursery or garden center. Healthy plants are important when purchasing them which can depend on the grower. Choose a seller that carries good quality plants.

Here are some tips that will be helpful when purchasing bedding plants. Buy plants that are Not in full bloom. Look for plants that that have New Buds nice and thick. Pick ones that are young with dark green foliage. Choose ones that are Not tall and sparse with stems looking spindly. Look for stress such as, under-watering, wilting, or over-watering. Also look for damage such as broken stems which may occur from improper handling or shipping.

Grouping Colors and Types

Limit your choices for each area to a few kinds and colors. In bedding areas, plant one or two types of flowers to create a theme. Plant the same types and colors grouping together forming a separation. Mixing them together can become distracting and confusing for the naked eye to see.

Always place flowering plants according to their mature height. Plant smaller growing plants in-front of taller ones. The Tag or Label will tell you their eventual height.

Water conditions are important when planting them together. Most bedding plants need well-drained soil and do bad in wet conditions. Some can survive in wet and shady locations but most can’t. Impatients are generally used in this type of situation. Once again, read the Tags and Labels for information pertaining to each bedding plant you are choosing.

Site Preparation

Before planting your areas, they should be prepared at least a week prior to planting. It is better to get your locations ready first and then purchase plants when it is time to plant them. Do Not let them sit around for for sometime waiting to be installed. I know it is hard because of availability and they do sell quickly at at your local nursery or garden center so it is best to have your spot ready to go.

Here’s how to prepare your site.

First remove all weeds and grass using a shovel and rake to clean out the area. Do Not use a Weed and Grass Killer for it can be harmful to your new plants. Beds should be spaded or tilled at least six inches deep turning over the soil. Do to the sandy soil in Florida, Mix in ground organic material so the plants will receive the proper nutrients needed to be healthy.

Use “Organic Peat” or “Compost” to increase nutrients and for water-holding capability. I recommend to mix 1-part “Organic Peat”  to 2-Parts Top Soil.

Conclusion

Flowering plants go great in a Florida landscape adding lots of color creating an eye appealing home garden. Whether placed in beds, borders, edging or pots and hanging baskets, you can have a choice fulfilling your needs.

Now, lets get outside, enjoy nature and as always…

Keep on Growing!

Kurt Kmetz