September and October are the best months to plant and transplant evergreens and deciduous trees. Needled varieties and broadleaf types such as rhododendrons are ready to be planted in September. October is a good time to plant deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves) and shrubs.

There are several shopping tips that are useful when purchasing tree and shrubs. 1. Check the roots. In balled and burlapped shrubs look for flat, sagging or loose root balls. This indicates that the roots may be dried out and have been knocked around a bit. 2. Check the trunks and branches. Look for scars and bruises. Any opening is an entry for disease and pests. In the case of evergreens, brush your hand over the needles. If these feel dry or come off easily, it is likely that they have suffered heat damage and will struggle to bounce back. Look under needles for any signs of disease, especially around the base area. Any dead branches, are, of course, a clear sign of trouble. Check for branches that have been removed. This may also mean that the shrub has been damaged. 3. Check the shape of the tree. This will not improve with tender loving care so if it is off balance now, it will be for life. If you have checked carefully, and the shrub passes your inspection, purchase it. Be wary of bargains in shrubs; there is usually a reason for a significant reduction in price.

Planting a shrub or tree correctly is important. Keep the shrub in the shade and water regularly until you are ready to plant. When you remove the plant from the container or the burlap, loosen the roots gently and sever any that are wrapped around the root ball. This actually stimulates root growth. Dig a hole twice as wide, but no deeper than the root ball. Score the sides of the hole with a spade so the soil is loose for root growth. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is even with the ground. Try to plant it at the same level at which it was growing. Place in the hole and fill half way with soil. Tamp down soil gently and water. When the water has drained, add the rest of the soil and water again. Build a little moat around the base of the plant, checking that no roots are exposed. Build this at the edge of where the container edge was so water will seep into the outer edges of the roots. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the edge of the moat. Be sure not to mound the mulch around the neck of the plant since this can cause rot around the stem.

It is important to continue to water the new transplant and established trees and shrubs. This helps to over winter the shrubs, especially evergreens which can dehydrate during the cold. Mulch helps to keep winter temperatures even and can be applied after the first frost. Be sure not to mound mulch around the trunk. All that’s left is to wait until spring to enjoy your new planting.

Happy gardening!!!!

Gardens by Judy,

If you have any remedies or products that have worked for you, and that you would like to share, email me at gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

Have your garden questions answered by Judy. Questions and answers will be included in the monthly column. Send an e-mail to: gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com

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Garden and landscape evaluations, personalized garden services, creative garden plans, containers planted on site to your specifications.

About the author: Judy is a certified Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension who loves sharing the joys of gardening with others. She helps garden hobbyists solve their problems and is happy to provide information and suggestions about garden planning and maintenance.

Gardens by Judy prides itself in helping the home owner and garden enthusiast plan and maintain that special garden. Judy works cooperatively with the gardener. She evaluates each garden visited and consults with the gardener about his/her goals. She helps in the design of new gardens and in the re-creation and improvement of present gardens. Judy also creates beautiful container gardens to enhance decks, porches and landscapes.