January 2021 - TNLA Working For You
Page 9
TNLA Tailgate Topic: Planting Techniques
Objective: Participants will be able to correctly plant a specimen by using the best techniques for the specific plant type.
APPLICATION: : The planting technique will depend on the type of plant that is being planted. Tackle this topic from the beginning – how to safely get the plant to the site, determine what kind of planting technique you need to use, and how correctly make a planting hole. The easiest way to get the objective across is to show how to correctly plant a specimen and then allow participants to practice. Transporting & Handling: Even though we’d like to believe that plants are indestructible, we know, deep down, they aren’t. The care we put in getting the plants to the planting site in one piece is the first step in guaranteeing proper planting. Always: • protect roots, stems, and foliage during transport • shield plant tops from wind by using a tarp or burlap • lift plants from underneath the rootball with the appropriate equipment • always handle container grown plants by the container • lay containers on their side during transport • secure containers so they will not slide, shift or fall while in transit • take care of you! Use proper lifting techniques when transporting and handling. The Planting Technique: • Begin the planting process by making sure your soil is ready to be planted in. Soil amendments should only be used if the soil requires them to be used. Amendments will vary depending on what you are working in and what plants are being planted. • Most plants do not want to sit in water. When planting, make the needed adjustments to keep the plants from getting too wet, but make sure your root ball is planted at the appropriate depth. Soil may need to be added to accomplish these goals. • Planting depth is the most important consideration with planting trees and shrubs. Although tree planting techniques differ slightly from most shrub planting techniques, below are general guidelines to consider when planting: 1. Dig a hole wide enough to be able to backfill, but not too wide where soil can sink exposing the root ball. 2. Be sure to place the root ball on solid ground and in a manner where no air pockets are trapped under the root ball. 3. For field grown trees, it is recommended to remove the burlap from the roots UNLESS this process causes soil or root loss from the existing root ball. 4. Always remove plastic liners or synthetic burlap. It is best to risk loosing roots in the planting that to have then restricted from growing post-planting. 5. Backfill the hole with the original soil. If soil amendments are needed, be sure to incorporate more natural soil than amended soil if possible. “What goes out, goes back in!” 6. In some cases, an earthen dam can be created around the dripzone of the plant, although not recommended with all plants or on all sites. 7. When planting trees, be sure the root flare is visible after planting. DO NOT CREATE A MULCH VOLCANO! 8. Always use safe digging and lighting techniques when planting.
