Deciduous Shrub Of The Day

Rosa x 'Double Delight'

Rose

Type Shrub, woody plant

Hardy range 3B to 10B

Height 36" to 6' / 90cm to 1.80m

Spread 18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm

Growth rate Average

Form Rounded and upright or erect

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Pink and salmon

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are very showy, suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

Culture NotesRose is the national flower. Depending on the cultivar, the growing attributes of roses vary widely. Check with your nursery as to the specific attributes and growing requirements for your particular rose.
The rose is an essential garden element and will prosper if proper fertilizing, pruning and spraying are done on a regular basis. Planting as bare root plants in the spring or early summer is recommended as it will not disturb the growth cycle. Roses need to be actively growing in order to flower. Place in the open in a well-drained soil where they receive plenty of sun light. Plant roses far enough apart so you can prune and treat for insect and disease problems adequately. If you can choose a spot with a soil pH around 6.5 this is ideal.
A 2-3 inch deep cover of mulch is needed to keep the soil cool in the summer, retain moisture and keep the plant warm in the winter months. Plant in full or partial sun, morning sun is best. Soil should be rich in organic material such as peat moss, rotted manure, leaf mold or compost. Allow adequate spacing between plants for better air circulation and to lessen the spread of disease. Do not plant near tree roots as they can deprive the plant of necessary moisture and nutrients.

Winter protection depends on the climate and the location of the garden. In most locations that receive freezing temperatures, stop fertilizing in mid to late summer so the plant slows down its growth before the first freeze. After the first few cold snaps below freezing, mound soil to about 12 inches up the stems and cut back any canes greater than about 3 to 4 feet long. Some people tie the stems together to keep them from whipping around in the wind. You may also cover the soil mound with mulch to help maintain a constant temperature all winter long. This is not necessary in the warmest portion of the hardiness range. Roses may be propagated by root cuttings, budding, or grafting.

Planting and establishing shrubsThe most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth. Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer. This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water. Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

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Perennial Of The Day

Hemerocallis x 'Black Eyed Stella'

Daylily

Type Perennial

Hardy range 3A to 10A

Height 14" to 20" / 35cm to 50cm

Spread 20" to 24" / 50cm to 60cm

Growth rate Average

Form Irregular or sprawling and upright or erect

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Yellow

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture NotesHemerocallis hybrids come in a wide range of colors, flowering times and sizes, and some even come with a fragrance. For the most part, daylilies are long-lived, hardy perennials that are tolerant of the sun. However, some species will show sun scald and prefer partial sun. Daylilies are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, and most bloom from late June until the first frost (depending on the cultivar). These plants attract both butterflies and hummingbirds and, usually, are both heat and drought resistant. Hemerocallis are extremely tough plants that spread rapidly in most conditions, thereby choking out weeds without becoming invasive themselves. The best time to plant daylilies is early spring. Although the individual blooms are short-lived, the number of blooms you get from an average flower stalk continues on for weeks.

Daylilies adapt to almost any location that provides at least six hours of sunlight, but it's best to plant them in a prepared, raised bed of soil that is high in organic matter. For clay soil, coarse sand and organic matter should be mixed in. When planted, the crown should be even with the soil line. The growth rate of daylilies can be increased via generous irrigation practices. At the end of the flowering season, remove the spent flower stalks only so that the remaining dying foliage will protect the center of the plant through the colder winter months. Also, division of the plant every two or three years will increase stem strength and flower size.

'Black Eyed Stella' is an All American Daylily Selection. A heavy rebloomer, its ruffled flowers are golden yellow with a dark red eye.

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Deciduous Shrub Of The Day

Syringa x prestoniae 'Minuet'

Lilac

Type Shrub, woody plant

Hardy range 3B to 7B

Height 8' to 12' / 2.40m to 3.60m

Spread 8' to 12' / 2.40m to 3.60m

Growth rate Fast

Form Rounded and vase shaped

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Purple

Bloom Time Spring

The flowers are fragrant and very showy.

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in very dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

Culture NotesLilac is a common flowering shrub that grows best in a sunny location. The plant will grow in shade but flowering is poor and powdery mildew is likely to be severe. The growth rate is rapid and the plant produces many suckers. Pollen bothers certain people.

Planting and establishing shrubsThe most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth. Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer. This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water. Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

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Annual, Biennial, Perennial Of The Day

Rudbeckia hirta syn. Rudbeckia flava 'Goldilocks'

Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, Gloriosa Daisy

Type Annual, biennial, perennial

Height 10" to 15" / 25cm to 40cm
Spread 24" to 30" / 60cm to 75cm
Growth rate Fast
Form Rounded and upright or erect
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color Yellow
Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are showy and suitable for cut flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates salt well.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture NotesThis plant is a short-lived perennial or biennial and is often grown as an annual. It self-sows easily and cuttings can be taken in late summer and rooted in the cold frame. This plant prefers a sunny spot, with a well-drained fertile soil. Plants serve as butterfly nectar sources. 'Goldilocks' is a Fleuroselect winner. It is more compact and has double or semidouble yellow blossoms.

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Deciduous Shrub Of The Day

Hydrangea paniculata 'Pee Wee'

Panicle Hydrangea, Hybrid Hydrangea, PeeGee Hydrangea

Type Shrub, woody plant

Hardy range 3B to 8A

Height 6' to 15' / 1.80m to 4.60m

Spread 6' to 10' / 1.80m to 3.00m

Growth rate Average

Form Vase shaped

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color White

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are very showy, suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color Yellow

Culture NotesPanicle Hydrangea should be grown in full sun or partial shade on well-drained, moist, loamy soil. Plants flower best in sun. The upright, spreading branches often bend down with the weight of the blooms, and the brown, faded blooms should be removed in late September to keep the tree from looking unkempt. If unpruned some people object to the pinkish brown fruits and old flowers which hang on to the tree during the winter. Pruning also is suggested to keep the plant to a consistent, neat shape. Lower branches can be pruned to clean up the bottom of the plant and make it grow into a multi-stemmed tree. Flowers emerge white and turn pink.
This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.

Planting and establishing shrubsThe most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.
Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth. Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer. This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water. Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

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Perennial Of The Day

Gazania rigens syn. Gazania ringens; Gazania splendens 'Daybreak Red Stripe'

Treasure Flower, Gazania

Type Perennial

Hardy range 7A to 9A

Height 6" to 12" / 15cm to 30cm

Growth rate Average

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Full sun

Bloom Color Red and yellow

Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are showy.


EnvironmentThis plant tolerates drought and salt well.
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green and silvery

Culture NotesThe well known garden plant Gazania splendens (or "rigens") originates in South Africa. The petals are usually orange, yellow or white, but sometimes bronze or pink. At the base they are often brown forming an attractive ring at the center. The flowers close in darker weather and opens again with the first rays of the sun. "Daybreak", called after this surprising effect of the sunlight, is one of the most well known Gazania hybrids.
'Daybreak Red Stripe' is a really unique variation of this Gazania series, with a red stripe dissipating out over each deep yellow petal. This gives the startling effect of a radiating sun when the flowers open.
It is the third Gazania from the 'Daybreak' series to win a Gold Medal from Fleuroselect, the international organization for testing new flower seeds. The golden-yellow 'Garden Sun' from 1990 was only emanated in 1996 by 'Bright Orange' which bloomed earlier, richer and more uniformly than any other seed Gazania. The new 'Daybreak Red Stripe' yet again beats its predecessors in beauty, keeping the compact form, and countless, large, single flowers, which open earlier than other Gazanias. This richly flowering and unusual plant therefore shines in the garden, even before the penetration of the first sun's rays.
If sown in January, 'Daybreak Red Stripe' can be planted out from May (end of the frosts). To germinate, the seeds should be covered lightly and kept damp at 21 ° C. After 3 weeks the seedlings can be transferred to 9 cm pots or sets (16 or 24). Growth regulators are not required. Hobby gardens can expect later flowering due to lower temperatures during the growth period. Gazanias perform well in borders, rockeries and in pots. They can withstand dry conditions, salty air and wind and have a preference for a sunny spot and well-drained soil.

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Planting Ideas for 2010

Lilium 'Gardenia'

Asiatic Lily

Type Perennial

Hardy range 5A to 9A

Height 12" to 36" / 30cm to 90cm

Spread 18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm

Growth rate Average

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color Pink and yellow

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment

This plant will grow in moist soil.

Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.

The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

In medieval times, lily bulbs had several medicinal purposes. Plants will be less productive if allowed to seed. Lilies can be easily divided by lifting and propagating the bulbs in early spring. Flowers produced in the summer come in various colors.

Culture Notes

Viola pedata

Bird's Foot Violet, Crowfoot Violet, Pansy Violet

Type Perennial

Hardy range 4A to 9A

Height 2" to 6" / 5cm to 15cm

Spread 6" to 10" / 15cm to 25cm

Growth rate Slow

Form Rounded

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Blue, purple and white

Bloom Time Spring

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment

This plant tolerates drought.

This plant will grow in dry soil.

Suitable soil is sandy.

The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture Notes

Seeds can be collected in the summer or allowed to self sow. Dormant root cuttings can be taken in the early spring. Viola pedata prefers a gritty dry soil, poor in nutrient. Needs a covering of mulch in the winter. Pruning will keep plants full and compact. Deadheading will continue blooming all season.

Iris germanica 'River Hawk'

Bearded Iris, Tall Bearded German Iris, Orris Root

Type Perennial

Hardy range 4A to 10A

Height 18" to 30" / 45cm to 75cm

Growth rate Average

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Full sun

Bloom Color Lavender

Bloom Time Spring

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture NotesPrefers a sunny well-drained fertile soil. Will tolerate some shade in well-drained areas. Division can be done in the fall as well as early spring before new growth. The Orris Root can be dried and used in potpourris and other mixtures needing a lavender scent.

Berberis thunbergii 'Bagatelle'

Japanese Barberry

Type Shrub, groundcover, woody plant

Hardy range 4A to 7B

Height 12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm

Spread 12" to 24" / 30cm to 60cm

Growth rate Slow

Form Rounded and spreading or horizontal

Exposure Full shade to full sun

Persistence Semi-evergreen

Bloom Color Yellow
Bloom Time Spring

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates some drought and a little salt.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to alkaline (less than 6.8 to more than 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Purple
Fall Color Orange, red and yellow

This plant has attractive foliage and attractive fall colors.

Culture NotesJapanese Barberry is thorny, so it's useful for barrier plantings. The plant tolerates most light exposures and soils, but purple-leafed cultivars turn green in shade. This shrub grows slowly but transplants easily. Japanese Barberry can be sheared and used as a hedge plant.
The main ornamental features are persistent red fruits and fall color in shades of red, orange and yellow. This cultivar is a form of the variety atropurpurea and is more compact than many other cultivars. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.

Planting and establishing shrubsThe most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth. Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer. This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water. Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Atlantic'

Hyacinth

Type Perennial

Hardy range 3A to 7A

Height 6" to 10" / 15cm to 25cm

Spread 3" to 5" / 8cm to 13cm

Growth rate Slow

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Purple

Bloom Time Spring

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture NotesBulbs should be purchased and planted in late autumn. Once the tubular flowers are finished in the spring, they should be removed. Feed the bulb generously until the foliage goes dormant in the summer. In colder climates, mulch to protect from the cold winters. Often the bulbs will not bloom as well in later seasons. Hyacinths are more commonly used as forced plants, and the plants are discarded after the plant goes dormant.

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Deciduous Tree Of The Day

Malus x 'Burgundy'

Crabapple, Flowering Crabapple

Type Tree, woody plant

Hardy range 4A to 8A

Height 15' to 25' / 4.60m to 7.60m

Spread 15' to 25' / 4.60m to 7.60m

Growth rate Average

Form Rounded and vase shaped

Exposure Full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Red

Bloom Time Spring

The flowers are fragrant and showy.

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates some drought and a little salt.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color Yellow

Culture NotesCrabapple is well-adapted to compacted urban soil, tolerates some drought and is somewhat tolerate of salt-spray. Well adapted to all areas within its hardiness zone range, including Texas and Oklahoma. Very adaptable tree. Do not over-fertilize, since this could increase the incidence of disease and will cause excess sprouting. Select only from disease-resistant cultivars avoiding 'Radiant' and other sensitive cultivars. Crabapples are not well suited for high pH soil, are best grown in a sunny location with good air circulation and have no particular soil preferences, except soil should be well-drained. Rooted pruned trees transplant most easily. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.

Maintain adequate mulch areaClear all turf away from beneath the branches and mulch to the drip line to reduce competition with turf and weeds. This will allow roots to become established quickly and keep plants healthier. Train and prune the trunks and branches so they will not touch each other. Remove some secondary branches on main branches with included bark, or those that are likely to develop it, as soon as possible. This reduces the likelihood of splitting from the tree later, when the tree has grown to become an important part of the landscape. Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size, since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size. The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of flowers. It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located. Flowers develop from buds formed the previous year.

Tree establishment specificationsChoose good quality trees for planting. The most common cause of young tree failure is planting too deep. In most instances, the point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk (referred to as the root flare zone or root collar) should be located just above the soil surface. You may have to dig into the root ball to find the root flare. If there is nursery soil over this area, scrape it off. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider because roots grow best in loose soil. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, extensive research clearly shows that there is no need to incorporate any amendments into the backfill soil. Simply use the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Simply planting with the topmost portion of the root ball slightly higher than the surrounding soil might still install the tree too deep - be sure to locate the root flare.
Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch to at least a six-foot diameter circle around the tree. This area should be at least two feet in diameter for each inch of tree trunk diameter and maintained during the establishment period. Apply a thinner layer of mulch directly over the root ball but keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. This allows rainwater, irrigation and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk and applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.
Regular irrigation after planting encourages rapid root growth that is essential for tree establishment. Trees provided with regular irrigation through the first growing season after transplanting require about 3 months (hardiness zones 9-11), 6 months (hardiness zones 7-8), or one year or more (hardiness zones 2-6) per inch of trunk diameter to fully establish roots in the landscape soil. Trees in desert climates may take longer to establish. Trees that are under-irrigated during this establishment period (and most trees are) often require additional time to establish because roots grow more slowly. Be prepared to irrigate through the entire establishment period, especially during periods of drought.
Irrigation also helps maintain and encourage the desirable dominant leader in the tree canopy on large-maturing trees. Instead of a dominant leader, trees that are under-irrigated during the establishment period often develop undesirable, low, co-dominant stems and double leaders that can split from the tree later.
Unlike established plants, which do best with deep, infrequent irrigation, research clearly shows that recently transplanted trees and shrubs establish quickest with light, frequent irrigation. For trees planted in spring or summer, provide one (cooler hardiness zones) to three irrigations (warmer hardiness zones) each week during the first few months after planting. Daily irrigation in the warmest hardiness zones provides the quickest establishment. Following the initial few months of frequent irrigation, provide weekly irrigation until plants are fully established. With every irrigation, apply one (cool climates) to two (warm climates) gallons of water per inch trunk diameter (e.g. 2 to 4 gallons for a 2-inch tree) over the root ball only. In most landscapes that receive more than 30 inches of rain or irrigation annually, if the mulch area is maintained weed-free, irrigation does not need to be applied outside of the root ball. Never add water if the root ball is saturated.
In cooler hardiness zones, in all but the driest years, irrigation of spring- and summer-planted trees usually can be discontinued once fall color has begun. Irrigation of fall planted trees, however, should be continued until foliage has dropped from the deciduous trees in the region. In warmer climates, irrigate fall-and winter-planted trees as described for the spring- and summer-planted trees.
In drier, desert climates there is benefit to be gained from applying additional irrigation outside of the root ball area. This is best done by making a large diameter berm four to six inches high, then filling it with water so it percolates into the soil. For the first two years, irrigate twice each week through the spring, once per week in summer provided monsoons arrive, and twice each week again in fall if it remains warm. Taper off watering to once or twice each month in winter and resume twice weekly next spring. For years three to five, water twice per month in spring, summer, and fall and once or twice per month in winter. During years five through seven, water once every three weeks in warm weather and once every six weeks in winter. After this, the drought-tolerant desert trees should be able to survive on natural rainfall.
Trees with good, strong structure need no pruning at planting, except to remove broken twigs. Do not remove branches to compensate for root loss - research has shown that this can be detrimental to establishment.


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