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Monday, October 15, 2012

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.  

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