SSC October 2017 Newsletter

Grounds Tips for your Home

Fall is for planting, transplanting and root pruning. If you have small trees, shrubs, or perennials that you want to transplant now is the time to do that work. Digging now reduce stress on the plant because it is no longer sending energy to the foliage but to the roots, so as long as the soil temperature remains above 45˚ roots will continue to grow.

For plants that you do not have a designated heal in area, root prune right where they are and then transplant in spring.

How big to make the root ball or when root pruning how far from plant base? For every inch of total height, the root ball should be .75” in diameter, so a plant 12” in height should have a 9” root ball. Angle your nursery spade at a 45˚ angle when slicing into soil – go around plant multiple times, do not wiggle shovel, this will break the root ball. Once you have gone around shrub several times, place spade under root ball, lightly grab the base of plant, and applying equal energy on spade and plant base, pick up the shrub and set on a mulch bag, burlap, or something you can use to transport it to the receiving area. If transplanting, prepare receiving area by digging the hole in advance to reduce time out of soil for the plant.

Water plants thoroughly immediately after transplanting or root pruning and then at least 2-3 times a week even through winter as long as ground is not

frozen. You know what is next, fertilize with organic fertilizer, preferably an Espoma product, Holly Tone, Plant Tone, etc.…

If you need more information, feel free to contact one of our grounds experts.

—George Bernardon Regional VP of Grounds Management