Plant Science 2075 Exam 3 - Woody Ornamentals

choosing a species suited to climate

cold hardiness, moisture levels, sun, shade, soil conditions, water sources

choosing a species plant features

mature size, pest resistance, ornamental aspects

ornamental aspects variables

flowering, providing shape, color, privacy fence

ornamental negative aspects

messy fruits, knees, susceptibility to wind damage

root system consideration

roots extend 2-3 times the diameter of the canopy and can damage pavement

opinions for purchasing trees/shrubs

containers, ball and burlap, bareroot

before purchase preparation

have underground utilities marked, plant when roots have best chance of establishing

best time to plant

mostly in spring, pines in late summer

site prep

dig no deeper than the depth of the ball or slightly less and 2-3x wider than soil ball, amend soil

bareroot plant prep

rehydrate root system

containerized plant prep

remove spiraling roots

container and B&B prep

expose the flare if buried

planting depth

at or slightly above soil level, don’t cover root flare

planting steps

1. place in center of hole

2. spread out roots (bareroot only)

3. remove burlap and wire (b&b only)

4. backfill with soil

5. firm soil

6. water slowly and deeply

stake aftercare

stake in 2-3 directions, tie low

watering aftercare

until roots are established

mulching aftercare

2-3” deep, bagels not volvanoes

protect trunk from:

sun damage, weed eater damage, and deer damage

when to fertilize

annually when young in late september to early april

where to fertilize

1.5x diameter of dripline

health related reasons to prune

dead branches, storm damage, diseased branches, sprouts at base

form related pruning timing

one or two years after planting in early spring

form pruning determination

decide scaffold branches and competing leaders and rubbing branches

scaffold branch traits

wide angled and spaced well vertically and radially

proper limb removal

1st cut - few inches out from the trunk from bottom

2nd cut - right above first until they meet and limb breaks off

3rd cut - along natural limb collar

pruning woody shrubs timing

mostly in late winter/early spring when dormant; spring flowering shrubs as soon as flowering is complete

heading pruning method

all branches cut back to a healthy bud

thinning pruning method

some branches cut back to the ground to a main branch