Trade Tips

When transplanting deciduous balled and burlapped shade, ornamental trees and shrubs, an aggressive pruning is in order.

Prior to planting your tree or shrub, examine the plant for crossing or duplicating branching patterns. Evaluate which branch is most integral to the form and habit of the plant and prune off the other. Also, consider removing a portion of the younger shoots that may have developed along the main stems and trunk of the plant.

A significant portion of the root system can be left in the ground when plants are harvested. Effectively reducing the overall content of the head of the plant will help restore the balance of head content and root system. Many of the dead twigs which appear on the tree the spring following the transplant can be attributed to the plants’ inability to sustain all of the leaf tissue, given the loss of root from the harvest.