tree TIPS


Here are some planting tips from conifer expert Richard L. Bitner:

The best time to plant conifers is spring or early fall, in well-drained soil.

Place the conifer according to its growing conditions. Most prefer sun; a few tolerate shady sites.

Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, and plant your conifer at the level at which it was grown.

Loosen the root ball before planting.

Water the conifer frequently the first couple of weeks. Once their roots have been established, they will rarely need water. Mulch to retain moisture, making sure the mulch is at least 6 inches from the trunk.

Heed the plant’s likely growth rate; use slow-growing cultivars for borders to avoid having to prune.

Spacing is critical. It’s better to leave too much between plants than too little. And know where drain pipes empty. Keep plants at least 4 feet away from the house.

Bitner recommends the following conifers for Zone 4 and Zone 5:

Hinoki false cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa); Golden thread-leaved false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera “Filifera Aurea”); Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica); Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides); Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum); English yew (Taxus baccata); and Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).

By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.

» Accept
» Learn More