When planting trees and large shrubs

When planting trees and large shrubs, remember the crown (where the tree meets the root ball) must be well above the ground, even if the tree is on a mound. Trees and shrubs like to keep there heads (crowns) above water while sipping water thru there roots which act like straws.

It's best to water deeply and let the surface dry out between watering.

WATERING GUIDELINES FOR NEW PLANTINGS

SOGGY SOIL?

Never pile dirt or mulch on top of the root ball.

Over-mulching (Rutgers)

Lawn sprinklers will not provide enough water for a large tree, but the constant wetting of the leaves will cause a disease.

Never remove the burlap just cut it loose from the crown!

I recommend on all new plantings that some "proactive" precautions against insects. You can get lucky for a few years and then you get a bad one like 2004. Millions of insects, some no bigger than a pencil point, can destroy a lot of trees and shrubs. Numerous products are available in stores. Always follow instructions exactly! If it's poison to insects it's poison to you. Here are some links that might be of interest:

Not all chemicals will be compatible with all plants

Rita's Garden Center Makes no warranty of any kind for chemicals. Read the label carefully!

PENN. STATE UNIVERSITY CONTROL MEASURES (PENN. STATE)

Chemical CARE Pine Barrens Plants esp

Ortho Daconil BAYER GARDEN PENN STATE SEED inc.

Home Tip of the month (Penn State) Spectrum Brands

Don't let these articles scare you. Even if you were the worst gardener in the world most of what the articles discussed would not happen!

A little fertilizer means A LITTLE! Many plants are killed by to much fertilizer.

Where do we go for professional advice:

NJNLA:

New Jersey National Landscape Association

Bordentown, NJ-609-291-7070

EXTENSION SERVICE (Burlington):

122 High St.

Mount Holly, NJ-609-265-5050

The buyer must assume responsibility for putting plants in situations conducive to there prospering!