2021 Fall Home

2021 Fall Home Improvement LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Sept. 23, 2021 Page 7 Next, backfill the hole with native soil. A grade tapering off slightly away from the existing grade is good, so water runs off to the edge. The final steps are adding mulch and watering. When mulching, Gardener says you should place mulch one to two inches around the plant’s perimeter. Keep it away from the plant’s base or pest and disease may infect the plant. To water the tree, Gardener likes to do a thorough soaking using a bubbler to slowly soak it. Find tips on How to Plant Trees & Shrubs Like a Pro at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Tim4LEo6l10 Following the steps for planting is important. In the article “Planting Trees Correctly,” Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center says, “Trees and shrubs must be planted at the right depth and receive the right amount of water if they are to establish themselves and flourish.” Among common planting errors, the most serious are “planting too deeply and under- or overwatering.” Watering refers to frequency, always water slowly and thoroughly to be sure all the roots receive water when you do water. During dryer conditions you may need to water a couple times a week. It takes a couple years for most plant root systems to get established. If you pay attention to such details before, during and after planting, it will help ensure successful growth of the new trees and shrubs. [Angela Reiners] Resources: Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center. “Planting Trees Correctly.” https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting- trees-correctly/ Gardener, Joe. “How to Plant Trees & Shrubs Like a Pro.” https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Tim4LEo6l10 Illinois Extension. “Fall is a Great Time to Plant Trees, Shrubs, and Bulbs.” https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/rhonda- ferrees-ilriverhort/2018-08-05-fall-great-time- plant-trees-shrubs-and-bulbs Pankau, Ryan. “Recommended Replacements for Problem Trees.” Illinois Extension. https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/ garden-scoop/2020-05-23-recommended- replacements-problem-trees The Morton Arboretum. “Fall Planting of Trees and Shrubs.” https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree- plant-care/plant-care-resources/fall-planting- trees-and-shrubs/#! The Tree Center. “Give them Room! Spacing Trees Correctly.” www.thetreecenter.com