SHOPPING FOR TREES AND SHRUBS WITH HARRY AND LARRY

Trees and shrubs are important to our landscapes and are often referred to as the bones or framework. They are also an expensive investment so you would want to not only be sure to choose the right plant for your site but to select one of good value and quality.

Let’s take a look at two homeowners who have decided to add a tree and a shrub to their yards. Harry isn’t sure which variety of each he likes but he says, “I’ll know it when I see it.” He also hasn’t chosen the site for either plant but figures he’ll see where there’s room after he brings the plants home. Besides, he doesn’t plan on spending much on either one.

Larry, on the other hand, has assessed his landscape and has selected the location for both a tree and a shrub. He has chosen the general shape and growth habit of both that are attractive and would fit their planting sites.

Larry has researched trees and shrubs that are hardy in his zone, checked the light and soil requirements and the mature heights and widths of these plants. He narrows his choices down to those with the attributes he is seeking. He knows that the University of Minnesota has been a world leader in the research and development of hardy woody plants for over 150 years so he visits their web site to ensure that he is making the best selections.

Larry is well-informed before he visits a nursery to make his purchases. He knows what he wants, what to look for in a healthy tree or shrub and he is willing to make an investment in them.

Larry will be checking the plants for new growth, full foliage and good foliage color. On the trees, he will look for one with a strong leader and balanced branching. The shrubs should be bushy and fully branched. All of the plants should be disease and insect-free. Larry will make sure that the plants he buys will not be root bound (circling the inside of the containers) but will have an adequate root system for their size. He also asks the nursery personnel about their return policy and what the conditions are for a refund or a replacement.

There is no doubt that Larry will have a successful experience in purchasing a healthy tree and shrub for his landscape. More than likely, he will also follow good planting methods.

Harry might get lucky in his purchases but will their final planting sites match their requirements? Will they outgrow their allotted space? Knowing Harry’s lack of preparation when shopping for a tree and a shrub, the answers are probably a “no” for the first question and a “yes” for the second!

So when you decide to add a tree or a shrub to your landscape, remember it’s better to be a prepared and knowledgeable Larry than a haphazard and uninformed Harry.

Betty J. Magnan

Beltrami Co. Master Gardener