The changing of the seasons is coming to the Pasco area. You will want to make sure your trees and shrubbry is prepared for the chance. Here are some of the most important things you should be doing and looking for.
Prepare The Planting Hole
When preparing any hole for an incoming shrub or tree, make the hole two to three times wider than the current root mass, but don’t make it any deeper than the plant was growing in its previous environment. An even better guide with trees is to look for the flare of the trunk near the soil level. Don’t place the tree in the planting hole so deep that any part of that flare is covered with soil. The truth is, even nurseries sometimes put plants in containers too deeply. There have been many times where I’ve actually had to pull away soil to get back to the base of the trunk flare. Make a habit of checking this.
Plant High
I go even one step further by placing transplants in their new environment with up to a third of the root ball higher than the surrounding soil level. I then taper soil up to cover all the roots and add a generous layer of mulch above that. Newly disturbed soil has a tendency to settle and plants growing below grade can easily succumb to root rot or disease. In my book, it’s always better to plant a tree or shrub slightly high and allow the area to drain than for a plant to sit in a bowl and collect excess water.
We look forward to being your first call when it comes to tree maintenance in Pasco. Don’t hesitate calling us to ask us what you think are the smallest questions. We can’t wait to help you and have the chance to earn your business.