plant selection, planting and care - master … · plant selection, planting and care of woody...
TRANSCRIPT
10/23/2014
1
PLANT SELECTION,
PLANTING AND CARE OF
WOODY ORNAMENTALS
Richard Weidman
Ag Program Associate
RCRE of Middlesex County
FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN PLANT
SELECTION (Examples)Region or ZoneAesthetics
Potential for Animal Damage Habitat
Conifers - Needles will vary in number and length in
a whorl or sheath, remain bent after droughts, are
prone to more sucking insect injuries – mites,
adelgids.
Deciduous - Leaves are shed after or just before the
growing season, exhibit fall color, are prone to both
sucking and chewing insect and animal damage.
Evergreens vs. Deciduous
Fastigiate – Poplars
Narrow Conical – Dawn redwood
Columnar - Linden
Gross Anatomy:
Knowing Trees from a Distance
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Broad Oval – Sweetgum
Globe Shape – Purple leaf plum
Gross Anatomy:
Knowing Trees from a Distance
Spreading Branched Habit – Dogwood
Vase Shaped – Elm, Zelkova
Gross Anatomy:
Knowing Trees from a Distance
Trunk or Bole – main stem;
functions are support,
storage, protection, some
photosynthesis &
respiration
Mainly used by the tree for
energy storage in the form
of wood
Gross Anatomy:
Large Recognizable Parts
Trees display a wide variety of branching habit
characteristics. Some are naturally occurring, some are
in response to their environment, some are genetically
selected, and some are limiting factors for longevity
Gross Anatomy:
Large Recognizable Parts
Bark formation varies widely, creating niche habitats,
slowing runoff from the canopy, assisting in gas
exchange, resisting biological and mechanical injury
Complete characteristics may not develop for years
Gross Anatomy:
Large Recognizable Parts
Roots – mostly unseen,
underground portion
functioning as anchor
support and nutrient and
water uptake system.
Question - assuming this
picture is drawn to scale,
what is incorrect?
Gross Anatomy:
Large Recognizable Parts
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Tree Root Environment:
Location, Location, Location!
• Majority of tree roots in the upper 18+ inches of soil
• The root system consists of large woody roots, long
ropelike lateral roots, fine absorptive roots, and a zone
of root hairs near the root tips.
Tree Root Environment:
I can’t see them - where are they?
• “Feeder” roots nearest the
dripline
• Absorbing roots nearest the
surface
• Root system can potentially
extend 2-4 times the height of
the tree
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE
SOIL TYPE – Root Growth and Development
DRAINAGE - Existing or Modified
EXPOSURE – N, S,E,W
ELEVATION
CLIMATIC ZONES – Zone 6 & 7
AIR QUALITY – Urban, Suburban, Rural
SURROUNDING VEGETATION – Typical
Vegetation
Davidson Mill Pond ParkDownspout and Drainage
ADAPTION OF SPECIES TO SITE
CHARACTERISTICS
PLANT “FITNESS” – Healthy Plant
COLD HARDINESS – Zones (Zone 6→ -5 to 5)
NATIVE PLANTS – Survivors
SPECIALTY GARDENS – Low Water, Wetlands, Pond,
Rock, etc.
SOURCE OF PLANT MATERIAL – Where was it grown
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Plant Fitness
Red oak
Plant Zones
Plant Zones
Native Plants
(A Few Examples)
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American Beech
Trunks can grow up to 2 ½ ‘
wide
Bark is light gray and smooth
Beech leaves can grow up to
5” long
Leaves are pointed with saw-
toothed edges
Fruits (Beechnuts) are about
¼ “ long and prickly
Quercus alba
White Oak
A broad dense crown growing to about 80’ in height
Slow growers
Moist, well-drained soil but will tolerate less than ideal conditions
It can live for hundreds of years
Bark is ashy gray with rectangular ridges on the bottom and platy in the upper portions
White Oak
Leaves are lobed, 4-8” long
Fall color can be red to brown
Fruit (acorn) is 1” long with shallow warty cap
Seed will germinate without pre-treatment
Acorns are food for animals
Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweetgum
Open pyramidal-shaped crown growing 60-120’ in height
Mature trunks can be 2-4’ in diameter
Star-shaped leaves and fragrant when crushed
Leaves are shiny green in color
Fall color is red to orange to yellow
Sweetgum
Long stalked seed balls composed of many fruits ending in a prickly point
Fruit mature in the fall and persist into winter
Food for birds and animals
Deeply furrowed bark with an alligator appearance
Will grow in moist, wet areas
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Rotundiloba’‘Rotundiloba’ Sweet Gum
Seedless!
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Kalmia latifolia
Mountain Laurel
An evergreen shrub growing to 10’ and almost as broad
Natural range is southeastern Maine to Georgia
Understory plant in forests – prefers part shade
Prefers a well-drained, acid soil
Naturally, grows in sandy, rocky soil but will perform well in high organic soils
Mountain Laurel
Leaves are simple and alternate 2-5”long
Leaves are dark green, shiny and leathery
Flowers round, 1” in diameter – white or pink with reddish purple markings
Bloom is late spring
Fruit is a dry capsule
Fine and fibrous root system and plant benefits from mulching
Many cultivars available
Special sites or Gardens Source of Plant Material
Design Failures
Soil incompatibility
“Wet Feet” syndrome
Traffic use ignored
Looking to lay blame
Designing for failure
“Go get another one -
must have been a bad tree!”
A Little Knowledge is a
Dangerous (and Expensive)
Thing!
FUNCTION OF PLANT IN THE
LANDSCAPE
SHADE – Cooling effects
WINDBREAK – Field/garden, dwelling
NOISE REDUCTION – Highway, School, Industrial Park
SCREEN – Neighbors, Business, School
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS – Fruit, Flower, Stem, Fragrance
STREET VS. BACKYARD – Utility vs. Specimen
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Deciduous PlantsEVERGREENS – BROADLEAF
AND NEEDLE
WINDBREAKS, SCREENING AND
NOISE REDUCTION
AESTHETICS OF THE PLANT
Bartram’s Garden – Native Plants
•Conifer / Deciduous
•Fall color
•Spring flowers
•Winter interest
•Bark
•Berries
•Growth habit
Seasonal interest is the #1 controlling factor in planting
AVAILABILITY OF PLANT
MATERIAL
REGION – where is it coming from
TIME OF YEAR - fall/spring
DEMAND – popular or unusual
COST – cost to retailer or wholesaler
DESIRABILITY OF PLANTS IN THE
LANDSCAPE
LEAST DESIRABLE -
examples include boxelder,
mulberry, popular multiflora
rose, etc.
MOST DESIRABLE –
examples include oak,
viburnum, holly, pine,
dogwood, etc.
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PLANTING
PROCESS OF PURCHASE TO PLANTING
Purchasing Material
SELECTION
Healthy Plant Material – without disease, insects, stem
and/or root injury
Site Conditions
Plant Knowledge – acquired knowledge or ask the
experts
Source of Plants – Local or shipped in
Bargains or Deals – Buyer Beware (“We have a deal for
you!”)
Transporting Purchased Plant Material
TRANSPORTATION
Time of Day – Morning,
Afternoon, Evening
Time of Year – Winter,
Spring, Summer, Fall
Method of Transport –
How do you plan on
moving the plant?
Care in Transport – Be
kind to your plant
HOW ARE PLANTS SOLD
B&B (BALLED AND BURLAP)
Advantages
Larger trees can be moved
Less damage to the root system
Disadvantages
Cost
Weight
Planting and Care
Do not carry plant by the trunk or main stem
Follow planting steps and in addition, cut strings and
pull back burlap after adding some backfill.
Remove cages and any synthetic materials
HOW ARE PLANTS SOLD
BARE ROOT
Advantages
Reduced Cost
Reduced Weight
Ship long distances
Disadvantages
Plant while dormant (shorter time
frame)
Limited in size – up to 2 ½ inch
caliper
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HOW ARE PLANTS SOLD
BARE ROOT (CONT.)
Planting and Care
Follow planting instructions carefully
Store away from drying sun
Keep roots in original container until ready to plant
Soak roots before planting – 30 min. to 12 hours
Prune out dead and damaged plant tissue
Dig hole 3 x the diameter of the root spread
Spread roots over cone of soil – primarily fibrous rooted plants
HOW ARE PLANTS SOLD
BARE ROOT (CONT.)
Planting and Care (cont.)
Add 1/3 of backfill – work carefully around the root
system
Water
Add remaining backfill and follow remaining planting
instructions
Forest situation – slit planting
HOW PLANTS ARE SOLD
CONTAINERS
Advantages
Intact root system
Lower cost than B&B - % lower figure depends on various factors
Long transplant season
Easier to overwinter
Disadvantages
Pot bound
Heat build-up in container
Size limitation – larger than bare root
HOW ARE PLANTS SOLD
CONTAINERS (CONT.)
Planting and Care
Handle by container
Dig hole 2 x the width of the ball and ball level with soil
Remove container and loosen or score sides of root before planting if pot bound
Amend backfill – high OM is used for container planting mix
Backfill with 1/3 of the soil, slice in soil around root system and lightly tamp
Water
Add remaining backfill and follow previous instructions
Successful Planting Techniques
Planting hole wide and
deep enough for proper
root development
Amendments if needed
Fertilizer after 1 year
• Staking* and wrapping for
stability and proper root and
trunk development
• Donuts, not volcanoes !
Tree Planting- Call Before
You Dig ! 1-800-272-1000
811 is the universal number
Call before you dig. It’s
the law.
Utility companies will mark
out all gas, septic, water
lines
Information – county,
municipality/twp./city,
address, intersection or
nearby street, contact person
and phone, type of work,
start date and time, owner’s
name
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Tree Planting- Placement
B & B Provide room needed
for mature plant.
Best location.
Mark out area for tree or
shrub – twice width or
more of root ball.
Remove turfgrass
Place on tarp or in container
Dig out edge of area
with shovel
Remove soil and
place on tarp or in
containers
PlantingPlanting Depth
Plant no deeper than top of root ball or slightly higher
Tree roots must go down into soil for proper growth and protection
Apply amended soil and pack around roots
PLANTING
INSTALLING THE PLANT
Depends on the how the plants were sold
General Procedure:
Install plant
Backfill 1/3 with amended soil(gently tamp or slice in with shovel
Water
Add stakes for larger plants – perpendicular to prevailing winds; 12 inches into unexcavated soil; 1 ½ -2 inch square stakes, extend 2/3 height of plant; attach plant with chain lock, wire or similar method
PLANTING
INSTALLING THE PLANT (CONT.)
Add the remaining backfill (gently tamp or slice in with
shovel once again)
Water
Berm soil around the plant (woody plants)
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch
Wrap Trees
Prune out dead or damaged branches
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Transplanting Guidelines
Digging Plant
One cubic foot of soil weighs approx. 110 lbs.
Shade trees – ball size based on diameter 1-foot above ground
1-foot width for each inch of trunk above 1-inch diameter (16 inch ball)
Depth should be 2/3 to ¾ of its width
Shrubs – 8 inch ball for a 1-foot plant
Add 2 inches to ball size for each additional foot in height
Poor Root Development
POST-PLANT CARE
SUPPORT
Staking
Guying
WRAP
Protect tree trunks
MULCH (keep away from trunk or stems of plant)
Conserve Moisture
Reduce weed growth
Moderate soil temperature
Barrier to lawn mower or string trimmer damage
Secure Trees to Stakes
Stake and secure trees
with soft but sturdy
plastic tree ties. Avoid
thin wire or cover wire
with old hose.
Remove stakes and ties
the second year.
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Movement in
response to
the wind will
form a sound
buttress root
system and
branching
characteristics
for trees.
Tree Wrap and Protectors
Apply tree wrap to thin
barked trees
Apply bark protectors to
base of tree for rodent
protection
Add Mulch
2 to 3 inches of wood mulch is best
Avoid light colored stone mulches
Heat buildup
Insect Problems
Pull mulch 2 to 3 inches back from trunk
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Deer rubbing
Slight to severe trunk
damage
Seasonal / annual
damage
Frost Cracks
Temperature changes
Southwest facing
Wound wood formed
to keep damage in a
compartment
POST-PLANT CARE
WATERING
Water deeply – sand vs. clay
Water in early morning hours
Monitor for moisture stress
Newly installed plants susceptible to
moisture extremes
POST-PLANT CARE
WATERING (CONT.) Damage from lack of water
Drought
Leaves dry and turn brown
Roots shrivel and die
All growth slowed or stopped
Smaller leaves develop
Dry, compacted soil
**Drought damage seen the following year and recovery can take months or years (up to 4-5 years after original drought)
WATERING (Cont.)
Various methods can be used
Soaker hoses
Sprinklers
Direct flow from hose
Hand held wands or other hose
attachments
POST-PLANT CARE
Gator bags
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POST-PLANT CARE
FERTILIZATION
First year do not add
Following years soil test to determine
fertility levels
Why Fertilize:
Plant growth
Maintain growth and vigor
Rescue declining trees
Cure specific nutrient deficiencies
POST-PLANT CARE
FERTILIZATION (CONT.)
Methods of Application
Broadcast
Dry Fertilizers
N and mobile micronutrients
Water in thoroughly after application
Drench
Liquid Fertilizers for more immediate action
Fertilizer Spikes Concentrated in certain areas
Follow manufacturer directions
FERTILIZATION (CONT.)
Foliar spraying
Correct Minor element deficiencies (i.e. Fe, Mn)
Soil Incorporation (Holes)
Mix into existing soil around plants or drill holes
Drilled holes – 2 inch diameter, 18 inches deep, and 2 feet apart in concentric rings (trees)
Water thoroughly
Soil Incorporation (Injection)
Air Injection – 15-18 inches deep (water pressure)
POST-PLANT CARE
New Technologies:
Trunk and Soil InjectionsPOST-PLANT CARE
FERTILIZATION (CONT.)
General Rates of Fertilizer
Trees and Shrubs
N – 2-4 lbs./1000 sq. ft.
Evergreens less than above
P – usually sufficient in NJ soils. Now
have 0 Phosphorus products
K – 1-2 lbs./1000 sq. ft.
Should be based on soil test
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POST-PLANT CARE
WINTER INJURY
Root Damage
Damaging existing foliage
Flower Buds
Late Frost - killing blossoms
Scorching of leaves and needles
Trunk Injury
Freezing and Thawing
Wind Protection
Univ. of Minnesota
Winter Bud Injury
prwhandbooks.org
Winter Leaf Damage
hort.ifas.ufl.edu
POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Why do you prune? (In general terms)1) Train or direct growth of plants
Know your plant (Overall form)
Wide angle attachment
Radial spacing (trees) – minimize shading
Scaffold branches – 2 foot between
Shrubs and evergreens normally require less pruning than deciduous trees
2) Maintain Plant Health
Remove dead or infected branches
Increase vigor
POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Why do you prune? (Cont.)
3) Improve quality of flowers, fruit and foliage
Increase size flowers, larger fruit
Thin out overgrown plants
Rejuvenation – gradual or complete
4) Reduce growth
Reduce size and spread of the plant
Hedges and more compact appearance
Topiaries
NOTE: Right Plant, Right Place
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POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Shade Trees Reasons To Prune
Safety
Sanitation and Health
Structural Enhancement
Character and Beauty
Corrective Guidance
Space Restriction
Balance of Crown and Root – drought, construction
Clearance
New Development + Poor Planning
= Dead Tree Farms
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POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Shade Trees
Methods Used
Crown Reduction
Thinning
Directional Pruning
Topping – unprofessional practice
If the height
of a tree must
be reduced…
All cuts should be made to
strong laterals or to the parent
limb
Do not cut limbs back to
stubs
National Pruning Standards www.natlarb.comwww.isa-arbor.com
Storm-proofing Trees?
Avoid lion-tailing
• It makes the limb more prone to breakage
• It can be an energy drain on the tree
• It exposes thin bark to sunscald and canker
• Taking the sail out of the tree doesn’t work!
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Improper & Careless Pruning
Knowing how, when
and where to prune is
essential in keeping
poor conditions from
getting worse!
Dying Trees + Decaying Wood
= Fungi
POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Root Pruning
Transplanting
Prune 1 year prior to moving plant – feeder roots
Root ball should be slightly larger than the cut area
Encourage Flowering
Utility Purposes
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POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Pruning Techniques - Trees
Optimum branch angle - 45°
Three part cut technique – branches over 1 ½” in
diameter
Do not remove branch bark color – protective zone
NO FLUSH CUTS
Radial branching
NCST Univ.
USDA Forest Service USDA Forest Service
NCST Univ.
POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Pruning Techniques – Shrubs
Thinning out – maintain height and open plant
Gradual Renewal – some old and tall branches
removed just above ground level
Renewal/Rejuvenation – Severity depends on
condition
1/3 oldest and tallest branches removed – forsythia, lilac
Complete rejuvenation – i.e.. privet
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Arizona Univ. – MG Manual
POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Flowering Plants
Spring
Prune after flowering
Examples – Rhododendron, Forsythia, Andromeda
Summer
Prune in late winter
Examples – Abelia, Butterfly Bush, Spirea, Rose
POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Broad-leaved Evergreens
Early spring before new growth
(non-flowering types)
Prune after flowering (unless
drastic pruning is necessary)
Hollies bloom on old wood so it
may reduce flowering/berry
production
POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Conifers
Whorls – Pines, Firs, Spruces
Prune leaders to half their size during active growth
No Whorls – Arborvitae, Yews, Cedars
Latent buds will give rise to a new crown
POST – PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Evergreens
Prune in late winter – if for foliage only
Hedges
Trapezoid Shape
Trim before growth exceeds 1 foot
When to prune?
Depends on location, season, and kind of shrub
Rejuvenation
Difficult with evergreens
Deciduous – cut about 1 foot below desired level in the spring
POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Roses
Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora and Floribunda
Spring – not too early and cut some old canes
Prune as buds begin to swell
Prune all but 3-5 healthiest canes
Smaller varieties – prune to 1-2 feet
Taller varieties – prune to 2 feet
Trim to an outer bud
Miniatures
No special pruning needed
Cut out dead material
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POST-PLANT CARE
PRUNING
Roses (cont.)
Old – fashioned Ramblers and Spring Climbers
Flowers on one-year old wood
Prune after flowering in late spring
Remove oldest canes and leave 5-7 canes
Shrub Roses
Prune after flowering in late spring
Remove 1/3 of the oldest stems
Do not remove more than 1/3 of canopy height
PRUNING TOOLS
Pruning Shears – ½ inch material By-pass (scissor) – cleaner cut
Anvil
Lopping Shears – 1 ½ - 2 inches
Pole Pruner – 1 ½ - 2 inches
Hedge Shears – small material
Pruning Saw (teeth/inch) 4 ½ – large limbs
8 – small limbs
Pruning Saw (teeth/inch) 4 ½ – large limbs
8 – small limbs
Bow Saw – unobstructed areas
Chain Saw
Hand Pruner
Lopping Shears
Pruning SawHedge Shears
Pole Pruner