Production

When you plant and grow trees and shrubs, there are many factors to consider if you want them to survive and grow well. In this section you’ll find information on choosing, planting, growing, and maintaining trees and shrubs, including evergreens, walnut, butternut, and hickory trees. There are also tips on home orchard site selection, pruning, disease control, and how to use trees in landscaping.

How to Plant and Transplant Trees

When you plant and transplant trees and shrubs always consider the site conditions and type of tree stock. Trees grow better when planted in the right conditions, and trees native to your area are always going to be one of the best choices. When searching for plants to add to your garden or to grow commercially, avoid invasive shrubs such as burning bush, privet, Japanese barberry, and butterfly bush.

Trees can be tolerant of certain conditions. Some prefer soil that is dry, whereas others are more tolerant to wet soils. Most plants grow best in full sunlight and all need some light to survive; however, there are trees, shrubs, and groundcovers that are very shade tolerant.

Newly planted trees and shrubs are more likely to survive if you follow the right cultural practices.

Always plant bare-root plants before you can see new growth. Remove dead or damaged roots and branches and soak the root portion of the plant in water before you plant. When you plant container-grown trees and shrubs, their survival depends on you correcting stem girdling or circling root issues before you plant them. Always plant grafted trees with the graft union 2 to 3” above the soil line.

Once a tree has been planted, you then have to take care of it by watering, mulching, fertilizing, pruning, staking, and providing winter care. But what happens if you’ve planted your tree or shrub in the wrong place? If you ever need to move a tree or shrub from its current location, you can reduce the shock to the plant if you prune its roots and soak the root ball before transplanting.

Growing Trees and Shrubs

A number of factors can affect the growth and life expectancy of a tree. Even professional arborists would find it hard to predict how long a tree will last.

There are many things you can do to keep your trees in good health. To begin with, you need to know the signs and symptoms of plant stress, and what an unhealthy plant looks like. You can then determine the cause of the plant's poor health. Woody ornamentals are susceptible to insect, mite, and disease pests. Learn how to scout for these and you’ll manage them more effectively. Careful evaluation of a tree will determine whether it presents a hazard and needs to be removed.

Pruning and Training Trees and Shrubs

Pruning plays an important role in the production of trees and shrubs; however, you won’t need to prune them immediately before or after planting. Winter is the perfect time to examine your trees and decide whether you need to prune them. You can examine the branch structure because there are no leaves to block your view.

The right time to prune flowering shrubs depends on when they flower – prune spring-blooming shrubs soon after they finish flowering, and in late winter for those that bloom in summer and fall.

Pruning benefits the trees and shrubs in various ways. You increase the health and beauty of ornamental trees, as well as ensure your safety. When you prune landscape trees, it improves their structural strength and increases their value. Prune fruit trees to encourage them to grow along a trellis.

When pruning trees, you need to understand the basics – the different tools, timing, and techniques. Utility companies, for example, use a technique called directional pruning.

Landscaping with Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs form the foundation of most landscape plantings. There are several factors to consider when selecting plants for a landscape, whether you’re selecting them for a town and city public area, a community area, or a private garden in a residential area. Buyers and sellers of nursery stock use common terminology, which you can find in the American Standard for Nursery Stock, which avoids misunderstanding between parties.

When you want natural landscaping in residential areas, it’s important to consider the views of your neighbors. Underground and overhead utility facilities can affect your choice of planting location.

Certain evergreen shrubs and trees perform better in Pennsylvania. The European hornbeam, hedge maple, and Rocky Mountain juniper are very effective at providing privacy and wind-screening. You can plant trees to provide shade and there are trees that are better suited to rain gardens.

Another reason to plant certain trees is the fragrance they bring to a location. However, not all fragrances are good ones. Chinese chestnuts, for example, emit a foul odor. Certain trees, such as the black walnut, can also produce chemicals that prevent other plants from thriving in the same area.

If you want to attract wildlife to an area, woody plants such as trees, shrubs, and vines can provide excellent habitat. You can also plant trees to provide interest during fall and winter. Hydrangea quercifolia and fothergilla gardenia provide stunning color in the fall. Suitable shrubs and trees for the winter include American holly and white pine.