As long as the weather is comfortable, gardeners are looking to plant and transplant shrubs, trees, and perennial plants in Mogadore, Akron and the surrounding area. The good news is most shrubs and trees will do well if planted or moved in the late summer or early fall.

A few gardening tips, however, will ensure success as you plant or transplant your treasured foliage. As you make plans for your project, take into consideration the size of the tree, shrub, or perennial you intend to move and where it is in its bloom cycle.

Late summer perennial planting in the Akron area

For perennials that bloom in the spring or early part of the summer, late August and early September provide the ideal time to plant, split, or move these every-year favorites. These include such popular plants as daylilies, daisies, hostas, coral bells, and black-eyed susans, to name a few.

Perennials will actually grow and bloom better if they are divided from time to time, as their root systems can become overcrowded. Follow these tips:

• Dig around the root zone and get deep enough to get as much of the root system as possible.
• Turn your plant to expose the full root structure and use a sharp shovel to divide into separate plants at least four inches in diameter.
• Replant your divided sections as quickly as possible, adding some fresh soil and watering thoroughly.
• If you are planting later in the season, add a generous layer of mulch before colder weather sets in.

Tips for moving trees, shrubs, evergreens

Shrubs and young trees may be planted or moved during the early fall with attention to protecting their root systems. For best results, target a cloudy day or cooler evening for your planting, and loosen roots to allow them to spread in new soil.

Evergreen shrubs and trees shrubs may be moved in the spring or late August into early September, but special care for the root system is crucial, especially with mature trees and shrubs. Follow these tips:

• Soak the soil a few days before your planned move.
• Create a root circumference of 8 inches for each inch of trunk diameter and be sure to dig deep enough to access the base roots.
• For mature trees, root pruning may be necessary to move the tree. Consult a landscaping or tree expert to learn how to properly prune roots to successfully move your tree. Root pruning should be completed months before transplanting the tree.
• Wrap the root ball in burlap and transplant as soon as possible.

Many perennials, shrubs, and trees will experience some transplant shock when they are moved and often even after purchasing from a nursery for planting. Using an organic anti-wilt spray about an hour before transplanting can help protect most shrubs and perennials from serious transplant shock. Your local landscaping expert can advise you on best planting and transplanting strategies.

If you need expert advice on moving large trees or transplanting any shrubs or perennials in Mogadore, Akron, or the surrounding area, contact Boyle’s Nursery & Landscaping, or click here to view our wide selection of trees, shrubs and perennials available to beautify your yard in late summer and early fall.