Pruning and fertilizing should not be done until after the plant is a year old and well established. Once established, conifers can be pruned at anytime of the year, although pruning in the dormant season can reduce the flow of sap. Hardwoods and shrubs without obvious flowers should be pruned in the dormant season. Those with obvious flowers that bloom in the early spring should be pruned just after the flowers fade. Hardwoods and shrubs with obvious flowers that bloom in the summer or fall should be pruned in the dormant season. Call us if you have any questions.
Once established, apply fast-release fertilizers in the early spring or late fall. Apply slow-release anytime during the growing season.
Remove tree stakes as soon as the tree is well rooted, usually one year after planting. To check the rooting gently push back and forth on the trunk of the tree at shoulder height. If the ground does not move you can be sure the tree is rooted.
After the plant is in the ground, create an ample water ring -- a well -- around the plant and water thoroughly by filling the ring twice allowing the water to be absorbed completely before filling it a second time.
Remember, more frequent watering is necessary until the plant has established itself properly through new root growth. This is true even of drought-tolerant plants. The plant needs to root itself well into the ground before normal watering can begin.
For more information, visit our Watering Recommendations page.
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For many reasons, autumn is a great time for planting. While the soil is still warm, the air temperatures begin to cool, creating a perfect atmosphere for planting trees, shrubs, all perennials and even many types of seeds. In fact, planting in the fall can actually give your plants an entire year's worth of growth.
