Advice

This is the time of the year when customers often ask us if it is too late to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. The short answer is a definite — no, it’s not too late to plant!

Success with summer plantings is easy to achieve. Trees, shrubs and perennials have the same needs whether it is spring, summer or fall, and following a few simple steps we have found for Sacramento homeowners that will ensure your success.

Proper planting technique, adequate but not excessive water, adequate but not excessive sunlight, and adequate but not excessive nutrients are all you need to provide your new landscape plants whether it is spring, summer, or fall. It is just as easy to do in summer as at other times.

When you plant, root prune potted plants aggressively, cutting through matted roots on the outside of the root ball many times on the sides and bottom. This will allow many new roots to quickly shoot out into the surrounding soil, providing much faster establishment and far better long term vigor.

Plant no deeper than the level the tree, shrub or perennial was growing in the pot or field, and make a circular dike of soil an inch or More >