Shrubs
Adding shrubs to your landscape
is a great way to beautify your entire property. But shrubs also
help keep soil in place, especially when planted on sides of hills.
A shrubbery's extensive roots will keep the rain from washing away the
valuable soil and nutrients.
Most
commercially sold shrubs come in one of four conditions: bare
rooted, containerized, container-grown, or balled and burlapped.
Never buy a shrub that has bare roots if it shows new growth. It's
been out of the ground too long. Shrubbery in this condition will
probably cause you problems.
If the
shrubs you're considering buying are containerized, make sure each
shrub's root system is well developed and holds the soil in one
large clump when removed from the container. Shrubs that let the
dirt crumble when removed are a risk.
Ball
and burlap (B&B) shrubbery are usually a good choice, but watch
for any signs of mildew or other damage to the burlap. You should
plant the shrubs as soon as you get them home, if possible, to
diminish the chances of drying out.
