Whether you are planting a single shrub or several new trees, it is important to think ahead about all decisions related to the care of your landscape. By taking into consideration the mature size of the tree or shrub, your landscape maintenance efforts this spring will be much more successful. Pick a Good Spot

It's easy to overlook how big a plant is going to become when you bring it home from the nursery. The danger: don't plant too close to a building, driveway or other plants. Any tree and shrub care service expert will tell you that the plant might quickly outgrow the space and then require heavy pruning (or worse, removal). The solution: know how wide the mature plant will be and allow at least half that distance from any plant, building or visual obstruction you can see. Make a Big Hole Once the plants are home, don't dig a hole that's just big enough to accommodate them.

The danger: plants not being able to put roots out into the hard soil next to their root balls, leading to very slow establishment. The solution: making the hole at least twice the size as the root ball, loosening the soil significantly, and adding some organic material to enrich the soil. Other helpful tips for spring planting and tree and shrub maintenance

- If the tree or shrub is large or top heavy, it should be staked for support - Plastic twine and synthetic burlap should always be removed from the root ball before planting. - The tree or shrub should only be planted where good drainage is available. - After planting, new trees and shrubs should be watered deeply once or twice per week to encourage root growth. Leaving a trickling hose at the drip line of the new plant for several hours will usually provide adequate moisture.

Before you bring it home: Always select healthy plants that are well branched for their variety. Check the vigor and color of the foliage, and do not purchase sickly or diseased-looking specimens. Remember that a smaller but very healthy plant will often outgrow a larger choice in just a few years!