Nature’s Canopy is proud to offer tree and shrub planting to its already wide range of tree and shrub preservation services.  Proper tree and shrub planting is critical in the early establishment and survival of the specimen.  We follow specific guidelines (ANSI A300 Part 6 Tree and Shrub Transplanting) developed by the International Society of Arboriculture.  Our staff takes the utmost care in bringing new plant material into your outdoor living spaces.  Take a look at the specifics included in our planting/transplanting programs.   

 

Plant selection and recommendations are based on the client’s goals and expectations of their outdoor living space, preferred plant species, and location of plantings.  Once the desired species is selected, the client has the option to personalize the experience and visit the nursery to select their ideal specimen or have Nature’s Canopy select the best available stock and deliver it to their property.    

 

All of our sites are hand-dug to allow the proper depth and width based on the plant’s size from the nursery. Many times landscapers use motorized machines to prepare the site. Although fast and efficient, they tend to decrease soil porosity around the edges of the site. Nature’s Canopy scores that critical zone so that the fibrous roots will be able to penetrate the walls of the site. 

 

It is not uncommon for plant material to display structural issues in the canopy that, if left alone, could develop into more severe issues later in the life of the plant material. We strategically prune both above and below ground (roots) in order to get a head start on developing a favorable tree and shrub branching structure.  

 

The initial watering is the responsibility of Nature’s Canopy. Subsequent watering is the responsibility of the property owner. We will provide a detailed watering schedule based on the species and the current conditions. If the property owner has any questions, we are always available to answer any questions that may arise.

 

Prior to planting, Nature’s Canopy will remove much of the parent soil from the container and begin the process of corrective root pruning. Since much of the structure (soil and root mass) may be removed, it is imperative that we provide supplemental support to the plant material.  This support system should only be in place until the plant can establish a healthy structural root system. Improper guying and staking can result in adverse effects if not monitored over the course of plant establishment.  

 

Sometimes the need for quality rich organic soil is needed to aid in the root development.  We will provide the appropriate amount of additional soil and mix it with the parent soil so that the roots have a porous medium for increased root growth.

 

As soon as the material is planted and structural supports are in place, we will provide up to 2-3” of natural organic wood chips that will extend to the dripline.  Natural wood chips provide weed suppression, moisture retention, and break down considerably faster than commercially altered mulch thus providing a healthy organic layer for the plant material.   We highly recommend that color not be used until the plant is fully established since it tends to increase the soil temperature and develop anaerobic conditions.