How and When to Plant Trees and Shrubs

Fall and winter are the best time to plant trees and shrubs. But no matter what time of year you add them to your landscape, there are a few important steps you need to take to set them up for success. Joe Lamp'l shows how and when to plant trees and shrubs for the best results.
Next check out backyard.exmar... and then Joe's Tree Care playlist - • Tree Care
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[@NaserJBaig]

Lots of videos tell you what to do, but few tell you why. Thanks for the detailed explanations, they really help.

[@joegardenerTV]

Thank you! That's always been important to me to include in everything I teach. I'm so glad this is helpful to you.

[@pongop]

Very informative and eye opening! Thank you!

[@joegardenerTV]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@lindawashington500]

In my area, we suffer with draught so I fill the hole with water and make sure the plant has been watered while in the pot. Once the water has drained, I plant the plant and water it in after planting.

[@roryscarlett4313]

Great video, nice use of measurements, not just inches and feet (from a metric liking Brit, but i'm happy to use the pot as a guide)

[@joegardenerTV]

Thank you! 👍

[@keith6400]

Interesting that tapering away idea. The last video the guy created a dyke about the tree to keep the water in the rootball area.

[@joegardenerTV]

That's good for establishment IF your soil drains well. The risk is that it doesn't and then you end up with the roots in a big bowl of water and it drowns. It really comes down to knowing how well the soll around that new installation drains. Ultimately, better to direct water away from the trunk, out to where the root tips are to take up the water.

[@dustyflats3832]

My mom always filled the hole with water and we backfilled while watering so soil packed down in an no air pockets, important for dry soils.

[@joegardenerTV]

Yes to that. Giving whatever you're planting a good soaking at planting time has many benefits.

[@zarekmiskovsky8006]

Eh wanna be careful with that to make sure you’re not compacting the soil too much… very easy in muddy soil. A good soak after planting will do just the same

[@AlexiaVeripiTjimbundu-f8r]

I really appreciate the ideas, but a little bit afraid of making use of mulched as it encourages termites. Any truth in the statement.

[@joegardenerTV]

Not really. Termites are already there. They eat wood, so if it’s not one thing it’s something else. I would not miss the opportunity to use mulch to protect my trees for fear of attracting something that is already there. I use a LOT of mulch all around my property with no adverse impact from termites.

[@takeitslowhomestead5218]

Thanks for the great demonstration. I’m looking forward to more tree and shrub planting next Spring.

[@pearlsofpurpose]

Very very helpful!!❤

[@joegardenerTV]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!!

[@KosmicKaren]

I didn’t know about the garden hose attachment with the timer. Are there any that you recommend?

[@joegardenerTV]

As for the attachments, the only ones I have, I get at Home Depot. But I buy the metal ones because they seem to last longer. Even so, I'd love to find some that are better made. The timer is from Rain Bird. I also get that at Home Depot but I think there are many brands that work well. If you want a simple one that is just like a kitchen egg timer (spring only - no batteries), the best one I use is from Dramm.com.

[@KosmicKaren]

@@joegardenerTV ok thank you so much

[@KAHNER-zs7qs]

Thank you. Love you directions!

[@joegardenerTV]

Thank you!

[@araucariasightings3247]

What are your thoughts on gopher baskets? I have lost some trees here and there to gophers but was wondering if the baskets cause root issues. Thanks.

[@joegardenerTV]

I have not used them for gophers but I do use them for voles. They have saved my plants and the plants don’t appear to be showing g any adverse signs. 👍

[@araucariasightings3247]

@@joegardenerTV Thank you so much for your reply. I have been learning a lot from your channel. Have a nice day.

[@douglasquijano2268]

Any advice for planting in hard soil.

[@joegardenerTV]

It will take time but the more you can work on the overall soil by adding compost and arborists wood chips, straw, grass clippings, livestock manure, etc. the more that will breakdown over time to improve the hard soil as worms and other organisms bring it down into the soil. Yes, it takes time but it is really the only way to improve the overall hard soil unless you complete replace it. Until then, I would plant into the native soil without amending the planting hole. Ohterwise, the new plants will not establish into the native soil but rather just keep their roots in the loose soil. That's not a long term solution. Good luck, Douglas.

[@pagevpetty]

Nice. Where'd you get those nifty plastic tote bags?

[@danmier2605]

Excellent video, Joe. What about planting a tree in caliche? Only weeds seem to grow in it. Should I backfill with 50% caliche? It’ll be hard as a rock in no time.

[@Greeks81]

What if your native soil is clay, and when it dries up is becoming like concrete

[@joegardenerTV]

Lots of trees and shrubs grow well in clay. The key is to mulch over the top to help keep the soil moist for longer, and them to supplement the watering as needed beyond that. Many plants are adapted to growing in clay, even when it's dry. Although even they would be prefer it to be more moist.

[@iMiik]

Your instruction and explanation is on point. I've been searching for the right gardener for guidance and I believe I found it!

[@charliezicolillo]

Joe did you say vacation.

[@carlospedro5330]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rickarchambault4756]

You've answered how and when to plants trees but not WHY.

[@joegardenerTV]

That would be a very long video! 👍