What are Some Tips for Shrub Care?

A shrub is defined as a rather low woody plant having several stems. Shrubs are often grown as ornamentals due to their small size and thick foliage. Some species require special shrub care, especially during their first years. Shrubs are available to purchase in three forms; bare root, balled, and burlapped, or potted. Bare root shrubs come with the roots exposed. Be sure to choose shrubs with strong root systems and stout stems. Balled and burlapped shrubs have their roots encased in a ball of soil, that is then wrapped in a burlap bag. The root systems of these plants are delicate, so use the utmost care when handling and planting. Container shrubs are easy to purchase, move, and plant, but avoid planting these during the hottest time of the day to reduce stress on the shrub. Proper shrub care always begins with planting. The hole should be dug twice as wide, but not quite as deep, as the roots for planting. Dig the hole deeper at the bottom around the outside edges to provide ...  more