Tree and Shrub Planting Guide

Seedlings and transplants obtained from the Washtenaw County Conservation District are intended for reforestation, windbreaks and screens, erosion control and wildlife plantings.  They are adaptable, conservation-grade plants that will naturalize quickly.  Although they may be used for landscaping, that is not their primary purpose.
 
For landscape purposes, homeowners may be more satisfied with larger plants purchased from landscape nurseries.  Landscape plants may offer more disease or insect resistance, better flower or fall colors and be less "wild" in appearance.

Questions?  If you have questions as you read through this Tree & Shrub Planting Guide, please contact us!

The planting guide is outlined below, but also available in PDF format:
Picture

​Site Selection
Consider the plant's characteristics: Does it need shade, full sun, dry or moist soil?  How tall will it grow and how wide?  Consider what existing natural or man-made features on your site may influence what trees and shrubs you plant and where.  Avoid the following:
  • Planting shade intolerant trees under mature trees.
  • Planting on septic drain fields.
  • Planting trees within 10-12' of overhead wires.
  • Planting trees within 10-12' of buildings.
  • Planting evergreens where they may obstruct vision near roads.
  • Planting salt intolerant plants next to roadways.

Growth Rates
Most seedlings grow slowly 2-4 years after planting or transplanting.  Once they develop a good root system, their growth rates increase.  Generally, rapid to moderate growth rate trees and shrubs will reach 5-6 feet tall in 7-9 years, while moderate to slow growth rate trees and shrubs will take 9-11 years to reach the same height.  Soils, weather, weed and grass competition, and animal/human damage will affect growth rates.

Site Preparation Prior to Planting
Proper site preparation reduces weeds, which compete for light, water and nutrients, and helps assure better seedling survival.  When planting in bare soil, you may wish to plant a cover crop between rows of trees to prevent wind and water erosion.  Consult the "Suggested Planting Distances" and "Weed Control Before and After Planting" charts below as guidelines for plant spacing.  The spacing of your planting will depend on your purpose, the number of seedlings, available equipment, and the time you plan to commit to care and maintenance.

Pre-planting Care
Plant seedlings as soon as possible after receiving them, keeping roots moist throughout the planting process.  Exposure to sun and wind can kill a seedling in a short time.  If necessary, mist or sprinkle tree roots with water to keep them moist.  Do not soak roots in water for an extended time as the moisture retaining soil particles on the roots will be washed off and the trees may drown.  “Root Dip” or other water absorbent/retention materials may help conserve moisture in dry weather.
 
If you cannot plant immediately, store seedlings in a cool, shaded location for up to 7-10 days, misting or sprinkling roots with water each day.  If storing a large number of bundled trees, avoid poor air circulation and heat build-up by not stacking bundles in layers more than two bundles high.  If planting is delayed more than 7-10 days, dig a trench in the soil in a shady area or corner of the garden.  Place seedlings in the trench and cover roots with soil.  Keep them evenly moist.  See Figure 3., the "heeling-in" diagram below.

Spring Planting
Plant in the spring as soon as frost leaves the ground and before bud break, while seedlings are dormant. 

Fall Planting
Care must be taken when selecting fall planting sites and soils for the best winter survival.  Avoid planting in low areas that may collect water or cold air (frost pockets).  Fall planting is best on light soils (sands, loamy sands and sandy loams), after seedling buds are dormant and until frost or snow interferes.  Limit planting in heavier clay soils because they have a greater tendency to freeze and thaw, causing trees to be heaved out of the ground.  Use mulch to help moderate soil temperatures and reduce heaving.

Planting
In general, overcast, cool, still days are ideal since evaporation and moisture loss are reduced. Plant seedlings with a tree planting machine, or by hand, using a planting bar, shovel, spade or other tool.  Refer to Figures 1 & 2 below.  Dig a trench or hole deep and wide enough to permit the roots to spread out in a natural uncurled position.  This helps avoid "J" or "L" rooting patterns, which occur when the hole is too shallow.  Refer to Figure 4.  Plant seedlings in a vertical position with the root collars approximately 1” below the soil surface to ensure adequate coverage of the roots with soil.  
 
Firmly pack the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.  Place seedlings in the middle of the prepared site to ensure maximum distance from competing vegetation.  To reduce exposure of roots to the air, remove one seedling at a time when hand planting and in small quantities when machine planting.  To facilitate planting, long roots may be pruned to 8-12" in length from the root collar using a sharp knife, but retaining roots is preferred.
 
Seedlings may also be planted in nursery beds until they increase in size. Plant seedlings 12" apart, control weed competition and provide water as needed. Transplant them to their permanent location after 2-3 years in the nursery bed.  Do so in early spring when the soil can first be dug, but before buds begin growing.  Dig as large of a root-ball as possible, leaving the soil attached to the roots.  Plants left in the nursery bed for longer than 2-3 years may not transplant successfully.

Protecting your plant
Many plants are susceptible to deer and other animal browse. It is often useful to install a tree shelter to protect the young tree. Here are some instructions for installing a tree shelter / grow tube (PDF).

Maintenance
In general, check the survival and condition of seedlings the first and second year and replant as needed.

Weed Control
Control competing vegetation, where needed, during the first 2-3 years by mowing between rows, cultivating, mulching and/or herbicide treatment. Weed mats can be used prevent competition of weeds and grasses around young transplants. See these links for instructions on installing weed mats and from the weed mat manufacturer.

Keep herbicides off seedlings to avoid damaging them.  Protect seedlings by cutting the bottom out of a plastic gallon jug and attaching a broom handle or piece of dowel rod through the spout end of the jug.  The jug can be easily placed over seedlings during herbicide treatment.  A piece of wood stove pipe or furnace duct pipe also works good for this purpose. 

Watering
If possible, water seedlings during the first growing season to encourage establishment.  Especially during dry periods, provide one good soaking per week, totaling ~1" of water.  It is better to perform fewer, but deeper watering events (vs. more frequent, shallow watering events) to encourage deeper root formation.  If feasible, mulching around trees will also help retain soil moisture and discourage competing undesirable vegetation.   

Fertilizing
Before fertilizing (and ideally before planting), it is beneficial to collect soil samples in the prepared planting area to send to a lab for analysis.  This removes the guess work from determining what amendments might be required for successful establishment of the desired plants.  Ultimately, paying the upfront cost of a test could save time, money, and protect the environment.  If fertilizer is recommended, consider using slow- and controlled release formulations in granular, spike, or tablet form (the latter of which is available through the Conservation District).  For more information on soil testing, please visit MSU’s Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory at https://www.canr.msu.edu/spnl/  
  Fertilizer Tablets instructions (PDF)
​
Animal Control
Exclude livestock and pets from all plantings and protect from wild animals by using shelters, guards, repellents or fencing.  The Conservation District offers shelters and repellents.  

Disease & Insect Control
Occasionally diseases or insects may attack naturalized plantings.  However, in most cases, control is not recommended.  If pest problems become serious on landscape plantings, call the Master Gardeners at the Washtenaw County MSU Extension office (MSUE) [(734) 997-1819] or The MSU Extension Lawn and Garden Hotline [(888) 678 - 3464] for diagnosis and control recommendations.

Additional Information
Resources are available from MSUE that can assist you in managing your tree and shrub plantings.  Some of these websites are listed below for convenience:
Washtenaw County Conservation District
(734) 302-8715
[email protected]
​ 705 N. Zeeb Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Copyright 2020