Requirements differ for bare-root, B&B, container Planting trees and shrubs

By Barb Delisio

OSU Ext. master gardener volunteer

Spring is a good time to plant trees and shrubs. Naturally, it depends on what you’re planting and the condition of the tree/shrub.

Bare-root plants (roots showing, not in soil) can be planted from February till June. This gives the roots of the plants enough time to establish themselves in their new surroundings before winter arrives.

Balled and burlapped (B&B) deciduous trees and shrubs were dug, cutting some of the roots away, wrapped in burlap and tied with cord. The burlap keeps the roots covered with soil so roots don’t dry out. Remove the cord, but you can leave some of the burlap if it is biodegradable. Planting time is February through November.

B&B narrow-leaved (needled) evergreens can be planted from February to October. Plants like pines, spruce, hemlock, etc., make up this group. B&B broad-leafed evergreens such as rhododendrons and azaleas can be planted mid-March to mid- October.

Container plants (planted in pots) can be planted anytime from early February through the end of November.

General instructions: plant in well-drained soil. Dig the hole at least 1 foot wider on all sides than the root spread or root ball. The hole should be the same depth as the root ball. Do not plant it too deep. The trunk flare should be above the soil line. Soil for backfilling should be the same soil you removed. Do not add dry fertilizer or fresh manure, as these can cause root burn. Fill the hole 3/4 full with backfill. Water to the top of the hole to settle soil and eliminate air pockets. Backfill till the soil reaches the top of the hole. Add a water soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) based on label directions.

Soak bare-root plants for a least 12 hours, dig the appropriate size hole, spread roots, backfill with soil 3/4 full and plant at same depth. Then, fill the hole with water containing fertilizer, continue filling the hole with soil. Do not tamp down.

B&B trees and shrubs should always be handled by the soil ball, never the stem. Dig the hole 1 foot wider but same depth, adjust plant to same level as at nursery and fill hole 3/4 full with soil you removed. Then, cut twine and remove, cut the burlap down as far as you can without causing the soil to separate from the roots, fertilize with a water soluble fertilizer, and add more soil.

The plant does not need more fertilizer during the first growing season.

Other considerations are pruning and damaged or crossing branches, staking trees more than 6 feet tall, and watering.

During summer a newly planted tree or shrub should receive at least two gallons of water per week. Be sure to water deeply at least once per week, not frequently several times per week. This will encourage roots to grow down in search of water, not laterally.

For planting tips and visuals, visit go.osu.edu/planting.