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Trees and shrubs

Trees & shrubs

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Trees and shrubs add height and texture to garden landscapes but they require planning and attention.

Here are some tips to help with the care and nurture of your 'larger' garden plants.

  • Plant a tree or shrub
  • Prune trees and shrubs
  • Deal with pests
What do you want to do? Ways to achieve your goal How Scotts® can help

Plant a tree or shrub.

  • Choose a location with a suitable amount of sunlight.
    More advice about location.
  • Dig a dish-shaped planting hole the same depth as the root ball but much wider.
  • Put water in the hole and check to see that it drains away after a short while.
  • Place the plant in the hole. Replace one-third of the soil. Mix organic material (about 5%) and controlled release fertiliser with the remainder of the soil and fill the hole.
  • Do not cover the surface of the root ball. Water well and mulch.

Osmocote® Trees, Shrubs & Citrus controlled release fertiliser contains all the nutrients that shrubs and trees need.

Prune trees and shrubs.

Not all trees and shrubs need pruning, and some shrubs need regular pruning to look good and to promote flowering.

Prune most shrubs immediately after flowering. Prune roses in mid-winter.

  • Prune off any wayward branches that spoil the shape of the plant.
  • Clip hedging plants a little and often from a very young age.

Apply a controlled release fertiliser, such as Osmocote® Trees, Shrubs & Citrus, after pruning.

Use Scotts® Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food to give trees and shrubs a quick boost.

Deal with pests.

Use low toxicity sprays on pests such as caterpillars, whitefly, thrips & aphids.

Fungal problems such as blackspot will need to be treated with a fungicide. Ask for advice.

Defender™ Bug-B-Gon is effective on ornamental trees & shrubs and can be used on new growth.