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How to Plant and Care for Ornamental Trees

Welcome to Twin Oaks Nursery & Garden Center! Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your garden or brighten your yard with stunning blooms, ornamental trees are a wonderful choice. We’re here to guide you through the process of planting and caring for these beautiful additions to your landscape.

Choosing the Right Ornamental Tree

The first step in planting is selecting the right tree for your space. Consider factors like the amount of sunlight your garden gets, the size of your yard, and your aesthetic preferences. Here are a few popular ornamental trees to consider:

• Japanese Maple: Famous for its vibrant fall foliage, this tree thrives in partial shade and works well in smaller gardens.
• Dogwood: With its delicate blossoms, the dogwood is a beautiful way to welcome spring. It prefers well-drained soil and full to partial sun.
• Crape Myrtle: Known for its bold summer flowers, this tree is perfect for hot climates and needs full sun.

Think about the mature size and growth habits of each tree to make sure it fits your space and vision. Our team at Twin Oaks Nursery is always happy to help you pick the perfect tree!

Planting Your Ornamental Tree

1. Timing is Key The best time to plant most ornamental trees is either in early spring or late fall. This allows the tree to establish roots before facing the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.
2. Preparing the Site Choose a spot that provides the right amount of sunlight for your tree. Clear the area of any weeds, rocks, or debris. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the ball itself—planting too deep can stunt the tree’s growth.
3. Planting Process
   • Remove from the Container: Tap the sides of the container to loosen the root ball, and carefully slide the tree out.
   • Loosen the Roots: If the roots are compacted, gently tease them apart to encourage outward growth.
   • Position the Tree: Set the tree in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
   • Backfill: Fill the hole with the original soil, ensuring there are no air pockets.
   • Water: After planting, water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
4. Mulching Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree (but not directly touching the trunk) to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Caring for Your Ornamental Tree

1. Watering Water your tree regularly for the first few weeks, especially during dry spells. Afterward, water once a week, adjusting as needed based on the season and rainfall.
2. Fertilization Feed your tree with a balanced fertilizer just before the new growth begins in spring. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for best results.
3. Pruning Regular pruning encourages healthy growth and helps maintain the tree’s shape. The best time to prune most ornamental trees is during late winter or early spring when they are still dormant.
4. Pest Management Keep an eye out for pests and address any issues early. Using organic pest control products can help protect your tree without harming the environment.

Planting and caring for ornamental trees is a rewarding way to enhance your garden’s beauty and create a peaceful outdoor space. At Twin Oaks Nursery & Garden Center, we’re here to support you every step of the way, from choosing the perfect tree to offering tips for its care.

Ready to add a new ornamental tree to your yard? Visit us today, and let’s get planting! Happy gardening!