Shrub planting

Shrubs can be bought in four different ways:

Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Bare root	Cheaper to buy than root balled. They are normally larger specimens.	Harder to establish and require the most water. Only available in the autumn.
Root balled	Cheaper to buy than in bags.	Need more water than in bags.
In bags	Cheaper to buy than in pots.	Need more water than in pots.
	Generally available all year.
In pots	Available all year.	The most expensive.

PLANTING:

1. Excavate a hole to the proportions of the pot/root size.

2. Separate the topsoil from the subsoil.

3. Incorporate compost and granular fertiliser with the topsoil.

4. Soak the plant in a container of water.

5. Remove the pot or bag from the plant.

6. Gently massage the rootball of the plant to free the soil around the roots.

7. Place the shrub in the hole so that the shrub’s soil level is equal to the surrounding soil level.

8. Back fill the shrub half way up with the topsoil mix.

9. Gently shake the shrub to get the soil around the roots.

10. Infill with the remainder of the soil and compact with your foot.

11. Water well upon completion.