HOW TO SELECT HEALTHY PLANTS

How you can select healthy plants…

The temperatures are rising and the sun is shining – It’s time to get outside! In Southern Indiana we have a small window of planting in early Spring before the temperatures get too hot and the humidity too high. But when you’re shopping for plants, trees and shrubs how do you know you’re buying a healthy plant for your garden or landscaping?

Annuals and Perennials
First, look at the foliage, or leaves, of the plant. Avoid plants that have yellowed, wilted, spotted or damaged leaves. These may be signs of insects, disease, too much or not enough water. If the foliage looks good, take some time to look “under the hood,” or at the roots of the plant. You want to try to select a plant that doesn’t have too few roots with crumbling soil or a root-bound plant that has too many roots, as neither will most likely perform well. Finally, while it may be tempting to buy flowering plants, try to purchase ones that are not yet blooming. Why? Once in the ground the plant can use it’s energy on new root growth increasing its chances for thriving and not spend energy on growing new flowers.

Shrubs and Trees
First, determine if you are going to purchase a shrub or tree by the gallon size (commonly 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 gallon) or B&B (balled-and-burlap). B&B shrubs and trees are most often more mature and have a larger root ball than gallon plants but also typically cost slightly more. Just like when shopping for annuals and perennials examine the foliage and check for damage such as broken limbs, scars or nicks on the branches. Thoroughly inspect the root ball and avoid plants with very dry dirt or dried out roots.

*A side not about B&B plants: Always remove all string, wire cages and burlap before filing in your planting hole with soil. I have seen other professionals avoid this step, but feel that it is best to remove all man-made materials from around the root system.

Don’t have a green thumb? Let TrimWorks Lawn & Landscape do the work for you. We personally select each plant by hand to offer you the best plants available. From design thru installation, TrimWorks Lawn & Landscape can get the job done right. For more information or to request a quote, please contact TrimWorks Lawn & Landscape.