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GA Webinars | Trees & Shrubs – Selection, Planting and Maintenance

Posted on by Brandi
GA Webinars | Trees & Shrubs – Selection, Planting and Maintenance
06
May

Trees and shrubs are so beneficial for your garden. They add a point of interest, seasonal colour/fruit, shelter for wildlife, as well as shade and privacy. Select the right tree, plant it correctly, and keep up with care so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Trees are perennials when grown in the right climactic zone. They are the largest and oldest livings on our planet!

 

Trees & Shrubs

Selecting Trees & Shrubs

Buying a tree is very personal decision. There’s no “one size fits all”. Start by thinking about your “why” and then narrow your search down to what will thrive in your space.

Aesthetic & Purpose

What kind of shape, size, fragrance, or colour are you looking for? Are you looking to harvest fruit, enjoy flowers, or benefit from the shade? Do you require a tree for wind block, shade, or privacy?

Spacing & Exposure

Understand what kind of weather your new plant will be exposed to, including amount of sunlight. You’ll also need to know how much space your looking to fill. What’s your maximum height and width? Also be aware of the proximity to the house. Some willows are actually banned in Calgary because their roots will seek and wrap around watermains!

Long Term Thinking 

Keep in mind the potential of mess, like fruit off an apple tree. Look out for the other plants in your yard because a tree will shade areas that used to receive full sun. Also keep in mind the potential for seasonal interest. Some shrubs provide beautiful autumn colour, and some trees provide fragrance in spring!

Deciduous VS Conifer

Basically broad leaf vs needle foliage. With a deciduous, you’ll be leaves until they change colour and drop in the fall. These trees and shrubs can produce flowers and fruit. With a conifer, you can expect a consistent look all year round. Conifers also produce cones! If you live in Alberta, you may already be aware of the Larch Tree. This northern tree is a deciduous conifer! This means their “needles” are actually leaves that turn colour and drop in the fall. They are soft and suited for harsh climates like our zone 3.

  • Larch Trees | SHOP

TIP: Try Hawthorn if you’re looking for a large deciduous tree that’ll provide lots of shade and promote pollinators and biodiversity! SHOP HERE

TIP: Cedar is a great tree, but tough to keep in places like Calgary. They’re too tender! You may have luck with cedar if you make sure it’s not in an exposed area, receives lots of water, sufficient fertilizer, and crossed fingers! SHOP HERE

Planting Trees & Shrubs

How to Plant

  1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the rootball/pot, and deep enough that the crown is at soil level.
  2. Loosen soil at the bottom of the hole.
  3. Gently remove tree from the pot and place in hole upright.
  4. Backfill with: 50/50 OR 70/30 blend of original soil with a soil amendment. Use one or a create a rough mix of the following:
    • Sea Soil | SHOP
    • Worm Castings | SHOP
    • More information on Soil Amendments | LINK
  5. Water heavily after planting, and then every day for a couple weeks to help roots establish.

See our printable ‘Evergreen Planting & Care Guide’ for more information on tree planting and care | LINK

See this GAKidsTV video where Colin demonstrates how to plant a tree | LINK

 

Waking Existing Trees & Shrubs in Spring

As days get longer and warmer, our trees and shrubs start thawing. Roots begin to thaw and search for water. As buds break, photosynthesis can begin and we get active growth. Make sure to start watering your trees.

We had a question during the webinar about partial bud break on a Poplar tree. If you see only a portion of your tree , then one side may have received more water than the other. Install a soaker hose to give it more water. Consider a 30-10-10 fertilizer to accelerate the process. Don’t prune!

 

Inspecting and Pruning

Inspect your trees and shrubs and determine if it needs some pruning.

  • Dead: prune visibility dead branches that aren’t undergoing active growth.
  • Diseased: prune diseased branches and ensure the effected branches are disposed of and tools are cleaned to avoid spread.
  • Damaged: prune bent branches and those that may have sustained damage over the winter.
  • Dangerous: prune any branches that are blocking pathways, damaging property, etc.
  • Desireable: prune to a desirable shape.

Make sure to follow correct pruning methods. Please see Colin’s diagram on the PowerPoint (resource section below) for information on Jump Cuts & Collar Cuts.

  • Pruning Tools | SHOP

Practice caution if you decide to prune on your own and always call in an arborist if you’re in doubt. We spoke with an arborist on the Helpful Gardeners Podcast. Listen to that episode here | LINK

Sucker Growth

Suckers are growths that appear from the tree root systems. They appear when the tree has taken damage, was pruned incorrectly, or a tree was cut down. Don’t prune in the spring/summer. You’ll encourage more suckers, like a hydra! Wait until the tree has gone into dormancy (the fall) to remove them. You’ll trick the DNA and over the years, you’ll see less and less.

Applying Controls

It’s a good idea to apply controls as early as possible. If you had a problem last year, get a jump on it this year. Problems don’t go away on their own. Some issues, like scale, need to be controlled before bud bread because those pests develop a hard shell that make it nearly impossible to control later in the season. Make sure not to apply product to flowers. Prevention is always easier than treatment.

Note: if you’re treating a fruit tree or shrub, make sure the control product is suitable.

  • Fungicides | SHOP
  • Live Predator Bugs from Bioline | SHOP
  • Insecticides | SHOP

Weeds

I loved what colin said about weeds today. He doesn’t consider plants to be weeds, but moreso the location. So, a dandelion in your lawn, acceptable if that’s what you’re going for, but if there’s a dandelion next to your tomato, it’s needs to be removed. Weeds can rob moisture and nutrients from your garden and make it harder to avoid problems like fungus.

Control

  • Small Trowel | SHOP

Prevention

Amending the Soil

For trees and shrubs that are 30 years old, you don’t need to do this because the roots are so deep. If you have a tree that’s up to 10 years old, then consider doing this yearly. This is especially important for flower and fruit trees because it takes a looooot energy to produce them.

Gently cultivate the top inch around the tree. If you have delicate roots sitting on top of the soil, then just lay amendments on top of the soil and water it in so the nutrients can trickle down to the roots.

More information on Soil Amendments | LINK

Fertilizing

Could benefit mature trees but more important for the younger trees. Fertilizer promotes leaf growth, roots, flower/fruit development, and new growth. Strong trees and shrubs can fight off trouble easier. Start fertilizing the moment you start to see leaves emerging.

  • Root Starter | Great for new plantings to establish roots | SHOP
  • Water Soluable, All Purpose | SHOP
  • Fertilizer Spikes | Set it and forget it. Great if you don’t have a lot of time to spend out there fertilizing | SHOP
  • Rose Fertilizer | SHOP
  • Fruit & Berry | SHOP
  • MYKE | Used in the hole when planting to establish roots | SHOP

For more mature trees, fertilizer a couple times a growing season. For new trees, follow manufacturer directions. It varies depending on if you’re using a fertilizer spike or water soluble options.

Mulch

There are so many benefits to mulching new trees! It can help to regulate temperature and retain moisture, prevent weeds, amend soil, and can really add to the overall look of the tree. You only need a couple inches and create a crater, not a volcano when mulching to allow tree to breathe. There’s a great diagram on Colin’s PowerPoint (Resource section below)

Watering

More important for new trees. Oscillating sprinklers are great for lawns and garden beds, but you need a more direct approach. Trickle watering is better than rapid flooding. You don’t need to water at the stem either. Water at the drip line! See the diagram on Colin’s PowerPoint (Resource section below)

use the following tools:

  • Spot Sprinkler | SHOP
  • Soaker Hose | SHOP

 

Translate »

Calcium Nitrate:

Mix Ratio: Apply ¼ teaspoon per 2 litres once a week. I full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended preventing blossom end rot and calcium deficiency in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, and cannabis. It is also highly beneficial for all leafy greens and cruciferous plants (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli etc.).

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Iron Chelate

Mix Ratio: Soil drench – apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix ratio: Foliar spray - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 4 Litres of water once every 4 weeks. A full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended for correcting iron deficiency in a variety of plants grown in high pH soil. Iron deficiency is diagnosed by the yellowing or pale colour of the plant leaves, especially in young growth.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

High Drainage

Moisten Thoroughly before use: (optional) Peat moss can be water-repellent. Before use, thoroughly wet the soil.

Potting:

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Fill the pot with the moistened soil, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more soil.

Firm the soil gently.

Watering:

This is crucial! Water frequently, especially during hot weather.

Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil.

Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is low in nutrients, fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Consider Amendments:

For plants that prefer more moisture retention, you can add a small amount of coco coir or vermiculite to the mix.

Important Notes:

Overwatering: While frequent watering is necessary, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Plant Selection: This type of soil is well-suited for seed starting as well as plants that prefer well-drained conditions, such as cacti, cannabis, succulents, and some tropical plants.

Adjustments: You may need to adjust your watering frequency based on the specific plant and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight).

Alberta Blend

Moisten the Peat Moss before use: (optional) Peat moss can be hydrophobic (water-repellent) when dry. Before using it, thoroughly moisten it. You can do this by placing it in a container and adding water, then squeezing out any excess.

Mixing: (optional) Our Private Label Alberta Blend comes ready to use, expertly formulated for your plants, either indoors or outdoors.

If you're using this mix as your own base, combine it with worm castings, volcanic dust, vermiculite, etc. to improve nutrition, drainage and/or aeration.

Potting:

When potting your plants, ensure that the pot has drainage holes.

Fill the pot with the moistened potting mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more potting mix.

Lightly firm the soil around the plant leaving ½ inch to an inch of space at the top for watering.

Watering:

Because peat moss retains water, be careful not to overwater.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is nutrient-poor, you'll need to provide your plants with regular fertilization.

Use the correct fertilizer according to the plant's needs.

20-20-20 Houseplant Complete

Mix Ratio: For all houseplants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week once every week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

It is highly recommended to start your houseplants on a fertilizer regime, but only while they are actively growing. Houseplants tend to have a period of dormancy (normally winter, however poinsettias, Xmas cacti etc. are exceptions to this rule) and whilst dormant they should not be fertilized.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

22-6-15 Plus Herb and Leafy Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all herbaceous and leafy vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This fertilizer is ideal for all leafy vegetables and for herbs. This product can be used year-round if you grow herbs indoors.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

20-12-28 Tomato and Fruiting Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all fruiting vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Use this fertilizer on planting day and push right through until the plant either stops producing or reaches the end of season. In the case of transplanted seedlings this fertilizer should be used after the 2 feedings of Js - Jump-Start & Transplant.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

10-52-10 Jump-Start & Transplant

Mix Ratio: For outdoor summer plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Normally two applications, one at the time of transplanting, the second application can be done one week later from the initial fertilizing. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix Ratio: For seed starting - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Do not over water seedlings, feed every 2 weeks until transplanted outside. Feed them at the time of transplanting outdoors, then one more feeding a week later. After that start using the correct fertilizer for type of plant. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

 e.g. Vt Vegetable: Tomato and Fruiting for tomatoes, F3 Flower flower flower for bedding out/annual plants.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

4-5-28 Perennial Complete

Mix Ratio: All perennials (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks from spring to late summer. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your perennials. For existing perennials, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. new shoots etc.). For new perennials we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

28-14-14 Plus Trees and Shrubs - Fruit and Flower

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water per week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

14-7-21 Tree and Shrub Leaf & Needle

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your evergreen/coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

15-10-30 Flower, Flower, Flower

Mix Ratio: Outdoor plants (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water twice a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your annual plants. We recommend starting to fertilize at time of planting outdoors and go through to first frost.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.