LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
OFF TO A GOOD START Soil modification( or lack thereof) and following good planting procedure are two of the most important considerations in successful establishment. The size and shape of the planting hole is critical. In fact, it’ s best to think of it as a“ planting area” rather than a“ hole.” Digging and removing native soil three times as wide as the root mass and no deeper is the goal. This will allow the roots to expand laterally with ease and not sink downward into the soil profile. Comparing the width / depth of the area to the root mass using a shovel is a good technique.
In general, the woodier the plant, the less desirable it is to modify the planting hole / area. When a tree or shrub is planted, it’ s important to avoid the temptation to mix“ kindness materials” such as compost, peat moss and sand into the backfill soil that is placed around the roots. Sure, the roots will be able to grow well into this highly modified space during the first few weeks after planting; but over the first two to three years, they will preferentially grow there, and not outward into the landscape where they need to be to adequately support the tree with structural strength and the capacity to absorb water and nutrients. Instead, they will circle around the original root ball and force the tree to develop into a weak specimen. Soil taken out of the ground to make the planting area should be simply loosened, then used to backfill around the roots.
Trees in the sports turf and campus landscape.
bleachers, then a hedge planting of medium-sized shrubs isn’ t going to work; a medium-sized deciduous tree is a good fit. Likewise, if the purpose is to prevent erosion on a hillside, a spreading evergreen shrub often works well.
Maintenance level— In these days of restricted water availability and pressure to reduce maintenance budgets, plants should always be chosen with the amount of care required in mind. Plants that can be allowed to grow to their natural height without lots of pruning or shearing are less expensive to maintain. In addition, ornamentals that are at least somewhat drought tolerant and well adapted require that the soil be kept slightly moist— not soggy or dry. Again, plant care tag instructions provide this important information.
Noting and documenting pest problems early in a plant’ s life is essential to their successful establishment in the sports turf landscape.
30 SportsField Management | April 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com