TREES

Buying a tree is one of the biggest investments you will make in your landscape. It is very important that your tree be planted properly. The following information will guide you when you are ready to plant your tree.

Containerized or Balled and Burlapped Planting

We at Cornelius recommend the following procedure:
Dig a hole large enough to leave an eight to ten inch clearance around sides of root ball of tree to be planted. Bottom soil of hole should be left undisturbed as this will reduce settling of your tree. Let top of root ball be two to three inches above ground level. Fill back around the ball with the original soil to within six or eight inches of ground level. At this time dry, granular fertilizer or fertilizer tablets may be applied in this area. Chop or break up soil as much as possible while filling back and water to settle soil. Mix half Cornelius Soil Mix with original soil to backfill remaining plant hole. Mixture should cover entire top of ball and out to at least two or three feet from trunk of tree. Water well, use a root stimulator solution at the time of planting and repeat every two weeks for 6-8 weeks.

CAUTION:When planting balled and burlapped trees, place in the hole at the correct depth. Before backfilling remove the twine tying the burlap to the tree. Burlap does not need to be cut off or removed from under the ball.

Bare Root Tree Planting (This often includes fruit trees)

When selecting a bare root tree, choose one with firm stems and trunk and a well-branched root system. If you cannot plant your tree right away, cover the roots in coarse sand or mulch and keep moist.

Prepare the planting hole as outlined above. The root system should then be spread along the bottom of the hole. After insuring the graft or bud-union of the tree is 4-6 inches above ground level, continue backfilling and watering until the hole is filled and your tree is straight and sturdy. Complete planting as outlined above. Your new tree will now require pruning to reduce the impact to the recently disturbed root system. The general rule is to prune all stems back by one-third. When pruning, observe the bud condition and prune the stems so that new growth will emerge unobstructed by surrounding stems and the resulting shape is pleasant. Fruit trees usually have special pruning requirements depending on their fruiting habits. Consult one of our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals for the correct method for your tree selection. Although most pruning cuts will heal properly without painting, plants such as fruit trees will benefit from this measure. The weather and your soil texture will dictate the frequency and amount of watering required after initial watering. The roots need to be kept moist. Without adequate rainfall, supplemental watering will be necessary. Heavy clay soils will need less frequent and smaller amounts of water than will loose, sandy soil.

General Tree Care

To conserve moisture and prevent weed growth, mulch newly planted area with one and one half inches to two inches of pine bark mulch. Water well when watering to be sure that water soaks deep into the soil. This reduces frequent sprinkling which causes plant roots to grow too near the surface, thus weakening the tree. Trees should be fertilized twice a year, in early Fall and again in the Spring.

Fertilize by making holes in the ground at the end of the branch spread and filling the holes with the correct fertilizer. Feed fruit trees with a pecan and fruit tree fertilizer. All others should be fed with Cornelius Tree and Shrub Fertilizer. Always apply as directed and remember, too much is more harmful than too little or even none at all. Observe your trees often to detect insect or fungus problems. Quick action is the key to success here. Ask one of our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals for current recommendations.

Staking Trees

Normally, small trees do not need to be staked. Larger trees should be staked and an easy way to do this is with wires passed through a short length of water hose to be wrapped around the trunk of the tree and tied loosely. Run the wire in a 45 degree angle to a wooden stake or metal "Duckbill" driven in the soil.

There should be three stakes at opposing angles from the tree to prevent being shaken by the wind and disturbing the root system. These stakes should remain on the tree for a full growing season and can then be removed. Trees should remain staked for 1-3 years depending on size at planting

SHRUBS

When buying your ornamental shrubs, consider the location and the amount of sun or shade the plants will receive, as well as if they should be tall or low growing. Check the drainage. If it's sluggish you will either have to correct it or choose plants that tolerate moist areas. With this information, your nursery person should then be able to help you make the correct selection of plants.

Shrub Planting

When planting in prepared or raised beds, make the planting hole just deep enough to allow the top of the root ball to be at ground level. Width of hole is not too important when planting in good loose soil. Replace soil around the root ball and water well to force out air pockets and to settle new soil firmly around root ball. Level out surplus soil. These rules apply to both container grown and balled and burlapped plants. Do not remove burlap from ball, doing so might let soil fall away from root system and shock or kill the plant. Carefully loosen the burlap at the top of the ball after plant has been placed in planting hole. In unprepared beds or pit planting, make planting hole one foot larger in diameter than the diameter of the root ball. Leave top of ball about two inches above normal ground level. Fill around the ball with original soil. Chop or break up soil as much as possible. Water in to settle soil. Mix one half Cornelius Soil Mix with original soil and mound around exposed ball. Avoid planting shrubs in low, wet, or slow draining areas. Correct poor drainage situations before planting or new plant material will die. This is especially true in coastal areas. Use a root stimulator when watering in. Repeat at two week intervals for 6-8 weeks. Following this procedure will reduce transplanting shock and hasten new root growth of the transplanted plants.

CAUTION: Planting and care of Azaleas differs from other shrubs. Please refer to our Azalea Information Sheet for full instructions on them.

Shrub Care

Shrubs require more frequent irrigation than trees. Generally once a week in cool weather and every other day or so in hot weather, especially during times of drought. Non-blooming shrubs should be fed Spring and late Fall with Cornelius Tree and Shrub Fertilizer. Blooming shrubs have specific feeding times and need specific fertilizers depending on their variety. See one of our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals for which one is correct for your selection. Pruning is also variety specific, so again, ask for our recommendation.