Planting Guide
Spring planting is preferable for most roses, vines, shrubs, trees and evergreens. However, the advent of the containerized nursery stock has extended the planting season to match the growing season. With proper care these plants can be planted any time during the growing season, from spring thaw to fall freeze-up. By following a number of simple steps you will be able to successfully plant containerized nursery stock. Remember that containers of all types and wraps other than burlap should be removed from the root ball before or during planting.
Pre-planting Instructions: Take care to prevent wind burn to plants during transport by covering them well. Keep plants cool, in a shady area, and well watered until they are planted. Cover the root ball of balled and burlapped trees to prevent root drying.
Soil Preparation: All trees, shrubs, and roses should be planted in well-drained topsoil. Avoid low areas or places where excess water collects. As you dig a planting bed or planting hole, separate the topsoil and discard heavy clay subsoil. If there is less than 1ft. (30 cm) of topsoil in the planting area, add and mix in more topsoil, as well as compost, peat moss, or processed manure.
Bare Root Stock: The most commonly available bare root shrub is cotoneaster (Cotoneaster acutifolia) which is use as a hedging material. Caragana and lilac are also available. Until planted keep the root system of bare root plants moist by storing them in the shade with roots covered and watering when needed. Dig holes, or a trench, large enough to spread the plant's entire root system without crowding. Set the plants in the hole or trench with the top of the root system at ground level. If possible, spread the roots over a mound of compacted soil. Apply mycorrhizal fungi (Myke*) to the roots. (See package directions.) Pull the topsoil in around the plant’s root system until the hole or trench is 1/2 full. Tamp the soil lightly and water deeply. to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around root system. Fill in the rest of the hole or trench and again tamp the soil lightly and water deeply. After the soil has settled there should be a slight indentation which will hold water as it soaks into the root area. Water the plant thoroughly with a solution of water and a root starter such as 10-52-10. If Myke* was applied, use 5-15-5. Cover the planting area with mulch about 3-4 in.(7-10cm) deep but pull mulch away from plant stems or tree trunk. Water the plant whenever the soil surface dries out, usually bi-weekly, during the first growing season to ensure the plant’s survival.
Balled and Burlapped Plants: Dig holes as deep as the root ball and 3 times as wide. Set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball at ground level or slightly below. Remove any plastic twine. Apply mycorrhizal fungi (Myke*) to the sides of the root ball. (See package directions.) Pull the topsoil in around the root ball until the hole is 1/2 full, tamp the soil lightly and water deeply. This eliminates air pockets and ensures good contact between the topsoil and the root system. Cut, loosen and remove the burlap from the top of the root ball, and leave it around the sides, to hold the soil around the roots. Fill in the hole, tamp lightly and water generously. Create a tree well, which will hold water, around the base of the plant. Water the plant thoroughly by filling the depression with a solution of water and a root starter such as 10-52-10. If Myke* was applied, use 5-15-5. Cover the planting area with mulch about 3-4 in.(7-10cm) deep but pull mulch away from plant stems or tree trunk. Water the plant deeply whenever the soil surface dries out, generally biweekly, during the first growing season to ensure the plant's survival.
Containerized Plants: Dig holes as deep as the root ball in the container and 3 times as wide. Carefully slide off plastic pot from root ball or cut it off with a sharp knife. Set the root ball in the hole. (For fiber pots, first remove the bottom of the fiber pot, set the plant in the hole, then remove the rest of the fiber pot with a sharp knife.) Check to ensure that the top of the root ball is at ground level or slightly below. Massage and spread the roots. Thick encircling roots may need to be cut to allow proper root development. Apply mycorrhizal fungi (Myke*) to the roots. (See package directions.) Backfill the hole 1/2 full, then tamp the soil lightly and water deeply. This eliminates air pockets and ensures good contact between the topsoil and the root system. Fill in the hole, tamp and water again. Create a tree well or indentation, which will hold water, around the base of the plant. Water the plant thoroughly by filling this indentation with a solution of water and a root starter such as10-52-10. If Myke* was applied, use 5-15-5. Cover the planting area with mulch about 3-4 in.(7-10cm) deep but pull mulch away from plant stems or tree trunk. Water the plant deeply whenever the soil surface dries out, generally biweekly, during the first growing season to ensure the plant’s survival.
Staking a Tree: Due to the windy conditions in the Calgary many trees require staking for at least 1 year. Staking keeps trees straight and prevents uprooting during wind and snow storms. When staked, the trunk should be able to move a few inches, as this will encourage strong root and trunk development.
Guy Wires: To stake spruce trees and deciduous trees taller than 10 ft. (3m), attach 3 guy wires to the tree, 2/3 the way up the tree. Protect the tree’s bark by running the wire through a piece of garden hose. Run one wire toward the northwest, directly into the prevailing winds, and attach it to a small stake, 16 in.(40cm) long, driven into the ground about two meters away from the base of the tree. Run the other two wires out from the tree ensuring even spacing between the three guy wires. Attach these wires to similar small stakes. Make sure that each of the 3 wires are evenly tightened.
Metal or Wooden Stakes: To stake trees up to about 10’ (3m), select one or two 8 ft. (2.5m) metal or wooden stakes. Drive one stake into the ground at least 2 ft. (0.6m) deep on the NW side of the tree as this is the origin of most prevailing winds in Calgary. If need, drive in another opposite the first one. Make sure the stakes are placed outside the root ball area. Attach tree to top of stake using plastic tree ties or wire. Cover the wire with a section of garden hose where it contacts the tree trunk so as not to damage the bark.
