LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, October 29

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Mechanized Digging of Planting Holes

Sometimes extra-large trees or shrubs are called for in a landscape renovation, and mechanized equipment is the most efficient way to move them.

In the case of large Balled-and-Burlapped woodies in wire baskets, a tree spade, auger or back hoe is required to move them into position and to dig the holes.

Crabapple LandscapExperts know that a planting hole with “glazed” or slickly-smooth sides (common where the clay content is high)

• can act like an in-ground container, physically preventing the roots from growing into the surrounding soil. 
• can fill up with water. Since plant roots need oxygen as well as water, this can result in plant root suffocation or disease.

To prevent this “bathtub” like phenomenon, once the planting holes are mechanically dug our LandscapExperts rough up the sides  prior to backfilling, making perpendicular cuts that promote root penetration and water drainage into the surrounding soil. 

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, October 22

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Best Practices: Planting High vs. Digging Too Deep

CrabappleLandscapExperts recommend “planting high” in heavy soils that drain poorly. This means we dig only a shallow hole for woody ornamentals, allowing the top of the root ball to be left exposed above the surface of the surrounding soil. The top portion (about 1/3 of the overall height) of the root ball is then protected with a cover of 2-3 inches of ground pine bark or other good, organic mulch. This keeps the exposed portion from drying out while the roots become established in the aerated top soil.

CrabappleLandscapExperts understand that digging the hole deeper than the height of the root ball is poor practice. As the disturbed or “fluffed up” soil settles and compacts, a too-deep hole can result in the root ball sinking below the level of the surrounding ground. This settling can lead to root suffocation or decay if water collects over and around the roots, or if soil washes in to bury the roots, depriving them of oxygen.  

Planting High is an excellent practice for the beautiful, fragrant native azaleas that enliven Southern landscapes in April in shades of yellow, gold, apricot, orange, peach and pink. 

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, October 15

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Proper Planting Techniques- the Planting Hole

Recent horticultural research indicated that the ways trees and woodies are planted today has changed from old timey planting practices, and CrabappleLandscapExperts are on top of the recommendations.

The first major change is the size and shape of the planting hole. Recommendations now call for a wider and shallower hole that will direct a more lateral and shallow root spread than in the old days.

In general, Crabapple LandscapExperts dig the hole to a diameter of 2 to 3 times the root ball.

For example, a woody ornamental planted in a 3 gallon pot has a root ball of about 12 inches x 12 inches by 12 inches (more nearly a cylinder shape) . We dig the hole 12 inches deep, so the bottom of the pot rests on the bottom or the hole. 

However, we dig the hole 24 to 36 inches wide—about the size of a child’s toy, the hula hoop. This ensures the roots will find it easy going as they travel horizontally in the disturbed or "fluffed up" soil at the optimal location within the top 12 to 18 inches from the surface where water and nutrients are mainly applied.  

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, Oct. 8

We Inspect Container-Grown Plants BEFORE We Buy

When thinking of buying any type of plant, whether an annual, perennial or woody ornamental, we make sure the roots are not pot-bound and circling before purchasing. Just like we check the condition and branching of the top of the plant, we also turn the plant upside down and knock it out of the nursery container to examine the roots. Many homeowners reps and property managers overlook this crucial step.

If a plant has been left in the same container too long, sometimes the root system gets hopelessly "girdled: or tangled inside the pot. Then it is difficult to tease the root ball apart and ensure the roots grow out in a circle into the surrounding soil. It is essential to prevent them from continuing to circle around and around even after planting by scoring or cutting into the root ball or otherwise disturbing the roots.

You can rely on your Crabapple LandscapExperts Team. We chooses healthy plants with an abundance of firm white roots but some empty soil as well, ready to leap into growth with good planting and follow-up watering.

LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, Oct. 1

Executing a Landscape Renovation

How Important are Plant Guarantees?

Some of Crabapple's nursery suppliers guarantee plants while others feel that once a plant leaves the premises, it is no longer their responsibility. A few retailers unconditionally offer a set-time guarantee on all plants they sell, but require the purchasing records and charge retail prices.

The key to the survival and thriving of any new landscape is to discuss with your Crabapple Rep how new shrubs, trees, flowers and turf planted on the properties you manage will be cared for during their establishment. Regular watering is essential while plant roots are growing into the surrounding soil. This can be done via return visits or by setting up drip irrigation on a timed basis. We can provide the best conditions for optimal survival of newly installed landscapes; just give us a buzzzz 770-740-9739