Planting Shrubs

Shrubs are a common plant in many yards and gardens. While most shrubs are a hearty plant they do require some care from time to time. This article examines some of the basic facts about shrubs so you can keep your plants healthy all year round.

When you go to buy new shrubs, you will see that you often have a choice between bare root shrubs, balled shrubs, and those that are sold with the roots enclosed in burlap or enclosed within a container of some sort.

When it comes to buying new shrubs, bare root shrubs are often the most economical option. These are normally planted in early spring or winter. Planting bare root shrubs is easy and you need to do is dig a hole twice as large as the roots. Form a cone of dirt at the bottom of this hole and set the plant in. Make sure you spread the roots out gently around the soil cone. Fill the hole up to about the halfway mark. Add plenty of water and then fill up the rest of the hole.

Unless you can find them on sale, shrubs sold in burlap or in containers are often more expensive than bare root shrubs. This is true for ball root shrubs as well. The good news is you will find these shrubs available during the peak season for planting. Before making your purchase, make sure the root ball is firm when you touch it.

To plant burlap wrapped shrubs, simply loosen the burlap and remove. If the roots have grown into the fabric, you may have to gently pry them out of the fabric. Dig a hole that is twice as large as the root ball and is just about as deep as the ball. Place the plant into the center of the hole.

For those plants that come in a container or have plastic wrapped around the roots, simply remove the container or the plastic and then place the plant into the hole (as detailed above). Make sure that you always hold the roots in your hand for support.

If you want to move a shrub from one place to another, fall and spring are the optimum times for transplanting. To do this, cut a circle around the shrub roots using a sharp shovel. Gather up the soil and roots by undercutting the roots; try to form a ball. Once the ball is free, and this make take some elbow grease on your part, wrap the roots in burlap and tie it off with string. You can now move the shrub.

To replant, do as you would with a new shrub. Make sure that you water the plant often during the first two weeks after moving it.

For those who live in very dry areas, try building a small dam around the shrub after you plant it. This will help to catch and direct water down to the roots. You should not add fertilizer to a new shrub until you see new growth coming from it. Another good idea for arid areas is to add about one-half inch of mulch around the shrub. This, too, will help the plant to retain moisture.