Is it to late to plant shrubs / trees?

[abcornwell]

Originally Posted by Mike409

Can shrubs live in their plastic container over the winter, or will they die?

I purchased a few from a place going out of business. I would like to save them until I get my fence up around Jan/Feb, so that I can plant them near the fence. But, if they won't survive, I'll either find another place to plant them or give them to a neighbor.

We did this - we had some of that low flexible wire fencing and put it around the pots and then filled it with leaves so they were well insulated. Kept them out of wind - we had enough rain so we didn't have to water them. They were happy!

[mrsdennis08]

Is right now a good time to plant trees like Nelly Stevens holly trees or evergreens? We really need a nice privacy barrier behind our house, and I'm not too crazy about privacy fences.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by mrsdennis08

Is right now a good time to plant trees like Nelly Stevens holly trees or evergreens? We really need a nice privacy barrier behind our house, and I'm not too crazy about privacy fences.

As long as your ground is not frozen from our long cold spell & the clay is soft, but not wet, plant away.

Remember to dig your holes much bigger than the rootballs & mix a little compost in the bottom. It will feed the plants & the roots will carry some into the clay. It's a good thing.

[mrsdennis08]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

As long as your ground is not frozen from our long cold spell & the clay is soft, but not wet, plant away.

Remember to dig your holes much bigger than the rootballs & mix a little compost in the bottom. It will feed the plants & the roots will carry some into the clay. It's a good thing.

Thanks for the advice, Southbound_295... I can hardly wait to start planting!

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by mrsdennis08

Thanks for the advice, Southbound_295... I can hardly wait to start planting!

Have fun!

When I plant shrubs, I dig the hole & also mix a little compost into the bottom of the hole, then fill the hole with water & let it drain. Usually, I toss in some compost then stab it with the shovel. It's a slow process with clay.

Some people use topsoil, but I have always used compost.

When you're done, dump some water on top too. It settles the ground some & lessens the shock to the plant.