Certification and Education

• If potted in paper-mache pot: Remove top rim of pot to avoid wicking of soil moisture.

• Planting in Extreme Conditions: Mist foliage to cool plant and reduce transpiration rate.

• Post-Plant: Prune off broken, damaged, or diseased branches & suckers. Check for straightness and sufficient water.

WATERING

• Most plants thrive on approximately 1 inch of water per week. However, in a nursery or garden center, plants are watered daily. It is critical to monitor newly planted trees & shrubs to ensure they don't undergo stress from a drastic change in watering frequencies. In hot weather or very dry soils, watering may need to occur more often.

• Plants in heavy clay soils likely need less frequent watering than those in sandy soils.

• Always better to soak thoroughly, but less frequently than to give a little sprinkle every day.

Transplanting

Often, it becomes necessary to move a landscape plant after several years in the same location. To ensure success, it is very advisable to root prune them PRIOR to transplanting. Most nurseries transplant their trees and shrubs, or at least root prune them to create a more compact, fibrous root system. Root pruning is the key to successful transplanting. See page 11 for details.

Fertilization Of Landscape Plants

If trees and shrubs are located within well-maintained lawn areas, they likely receive sufficient nutrients from regular lawn fertilizations. If in planting beds where no lawn food is applied, plants would benefit from supplemental fertilization.

WHAT FERTILIZER SHOULD I APPLY? This is best answered by a soil test: However…

• N is almost always in shortest supply because it leaches, and plants use lots of N

• P is relatively insoluble and becomes available slowly, over time.

• K is available as an exchangeable ion (CEC)

• If a soil test indicates adequate P & K, then a straight N fertilizer (21-0-0, etc.) would be OK.

TREES:

• HOW MUCH FERTILIZER SHOULD BE APPLIED? Generally, an ideal rate for fertilizing landscape beds would be 2-4 lbs N/1,000 sq.ft. annually. If applying 4 lbs N/1,000 sq.ft., best to apply half in early Spring (bud swell) and half in Fall (leaf drop). If 2 lbs N/1,000 sq.ft., make a single application in fall after leaf drop. If using Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0), switch to 12-12-12 (or 10-6-4, etc.) every 3-4 years.

• If applying N only, broadcast on soil surface. If adding P & K, best to drill holes 1-2 inches diameter x 12-18 inches deep at 2 feet on center OR core aerate prior to broadcasting granules.

WHAT IF I SPILL FERTILIZER AND IT BURNS?

1. Remove as much fertilizer as possible, then water the spot heavily to leach fertilizer salts.

2. Apply Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate, pH neutral) and work into soil (displaces cations).

OTHER METHODS:

• Nutrients can also be professionally applied by injecting into soil with pressure equipment or by direct injection into tree trunks (Mauget, Acecaps, etc.)

SPECIAL CASES:

• Trees in confined spaces (courtyards): Calculate area actually occupied by roots, not dripline.

• Tall, skinny trees: Roots extend beyond dripline, so apply fertilizer in an area approx 3x the dripline.

SHRUBS:

• Deciduous: Prefer surface application, ideally at the time of leaf drop in fall. Apply fertilizer beneath shrub and out to 2x diameter of shrub.

• Conifers: Require less fertilizer than deciduous – usually about half the amount.

• Broadleaf Evergreens: Often have very shallow root system and are easily burned. Ericaceous plants need acidic soil for proper nutrient uptake. Due to shallow roots, avoid cultivation.

IAH Quiz

Each quiz will be worth a .5 (one-half) CEU!

The Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Committee is pleased to provide you an opportunity to earn CEUs (continuing education units) in each issue of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape News.

The IAH quiz offered in each issue can be completed by anyone who is an “Active” (current) IAH (initial or masters).

Each quiz will be worth a .5 (onehalf) CEU (continuing education unit) for the completion of the bi-monthly quiz with a pass rate of 80%. Over a 2-year period, you could earn up to 6 CEUs if you take and pass every quiz!

The INLA office will grade the quiz. Questions and answers have been provided by the IAH committee.

Thank you and good luck studying!

The Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Committee Co-Chairs

- George Brenn, Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery

- Gabriel Gluesenkamp, Designscape Hort Services Committee Members

- Brian Bunge, Twixwood Nursery

- Wayne Gruber, Niemeyer’s Landscape Supply

- Jim Messmer

- Melissa Mravec, Allen Landscape

- Jodie Overmyer, Marshall County Soil and Water

IAH QUIZ May / June 2023

Quiz Due June 30, 2023

Looking To Purchase Existing Business

Landscape, Lawncare, Tree and Shrub Care, or Irrigation Business in Indianapolis or surrounding counties.

Call Jim Calvin, Calvin Landscape 317-247-6316

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