Ed Perry: Ready to plant? Make sure you do your homework

By Ed Perry

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The gardening adage of "fall is for planting" becomes obvious as gardeners, inspired by mild autumn weather, begin preparing for new landscape plantings. Whether you're planting an entire new landscape or only a shrub or two, there are hundreds of different plants to choose from. It's important to know the characteristics of each plant you purchase, particularly for trees that will grow large.

When planning for new plantings, be sure to get good information about the trees, shrubs and groundcovers you want to put in. Determine the mature size of your plants, especially trees, by consulting nursery professionals, ISA Certified Arborists, garden books or University of California Cooperative Extension leaflets.

Until they reach their mature size, trees grow larger each year in height, spread and size of root system. Many trees and shrubs grow about as wide as they grow tall, so if you cannot find figures for width, estimate from the height figures. For example, a tree that grows between 10 and 15 feet tall will often have branches that spread about the same distance. You should plant such a tree about seven to eight feet, or half its height, away from structures.

Be sure to carefully measure the planting space available, including distances from buildings, sidewalks, decks and other established plants. The ultimate size of a plant is often overlooked, and many trees and shrubs end up being heavily pruned or removed because they outgrow their space. Find out how large your tree will be in 10 or 20 years. Avoid the necessity of having to "top" tall-growing trees by planting only small trees beneath overhead utility lines.

For a new planting site, determine the quality and conditions of the soil. If you're planting an extensive and costly landscape, you might consider having a commercial laboratory analyze your soil for such factors as pH and salinity. Find out if your soil has water penetration and drainage problems related to compaction, hardpan or excess sodium (alkaline soils). Many soils in the Stanislaus County area have such problems. Choose plants that tolerate your soil or aerate, amend, change the grade, or install a drainage system to alter the soil before you plant.

As you're making your plant list, be sure to consider plant adaptation. Poorly adapted plants are more susceptible to insect pests and diseases. It's a good idea to check with local plant experts to find out what pests and diseases may affect the plants you've chosen. Such information can save you a lot of headaches later. Soils, temperature and seasonal rainfall throughout much of the San Joaquin Valley are different from most other parts of the United States. Many of the plants that thrive in the northern and eastern United States do not do well here, often needing cooler temperatures and more water.

Select plants that will tolerate high summer temperatures, and some freezing temperatures in winter. Other factors, such as shade or adverse soil conditions, should also be taken into account. A good way to get an idea of which plants grow best is to look at successful older plantings in your neighborhood. Again, be sure to ask a qualified nursery person for advice on what plants do best in the area.

Once you have determined the characteristics of your planting site, you can begin to look for a particular species of tree or shrub. As long as the species fits the space, soil and other environmental requirements, your personal preferences become important at this stage. Integrate aesthetics and function into your selection process.

Consider such characteristics as form or shape, growth rate and the ornamental features of foliage, including fall color. Also consider bark texture, flowers and fruit. Remember that fruit, while often attractive, also may be a serious maintenance problem if it's dropping on your sidewalk or patio.

The list of potential trees and shrubs available at your favorite nursery may be extensive. To help you select landscape trees, visit the University of California Cooperative Extension office in Modesto and ask for the publication "Trees in Your Home Garden." It lists locally available tree species and their characteristics, and costs $1.

Finally, ask plenty of questions. Remember, careful planning before you plant will result in a better-looking, healthier and more maintenance-free landscape.

Ed Perry, a farm adviser with the UC Cooperative Extension, can be contacted at 525-6800 or ejperry@ucdavis.edu.