Frequently Asked Questions: Planting and Troubleshooting Tips
At Nationwide Plants, we want you to feel confident as you care for your new trees, flowers, and shrubs. Below are answers to common questions and concerns, along with troubleshooting tips to help your plants thrive in any climate or condition.
Planting Basics
Q: When is the best time to plant my tree, flower, or shrub?A: The ideal planting time depends on your location and the plant type.
- In general, spring and fall are the best times for planting, as temperatures are milder.
- For colder climates, avoid planting in frozen ground or during extreme heat waves.
- For tropical or warmer climates, planting can often be done year-round.
A: Proper soil preparation is key to healthy plants:
- Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels using a home test kit.
- Add organic matter like compost to improve soil texture and fertility.
- Ensure proper drainage by loosening compacted soil. If the area tends to retain water, consider raised beds or adding sand to improve drainage.
Watering Concerns
Q: How often should I water my new plant?A: New plants require consistent watering, especially during the first few weeks:
- For trees and shrubs, water deeply 2–3 times per week.
- For flowers, water lightly every day until established.
- Adjust frequency depending on weather—water more in dry, hot conditions and less during cooler or rainy periods.
A: Yellowing leaves can indicate:
- Overwatering: Check if the soil is soggy. Reduce watering and ensure proper drainage.
- Underwatering: Feel the soil 2–3 inches below the surface. If it’s dry, increase watering.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Use a balanced fertilizer to replenish essential nutrients.
Climate and Location Challenges
Q: What plants do best in hot, dry climates?A: Drought-tolerant plants, such as succulents, cacti, and hardy trees like Junipers or Desert Willows, thrive in arid conditions. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and plant in early morning or evening to reduce heat stress.
Q: How can I protect plants from extreme cold?
A: For areas with freezing temperatures:
- Apply mulch around the base to insulate roots.
- Cover small plants with burlap or frost blankets.
- Water before a freeze, as moist soil retains heat better than dry soil.
Troubleshooting Plant Appearance
Q: My plant looks wilted even though I’ve watered it. What’s wrong?A: Wilting can happen for several reasons:
- Root Shock: Plants often experience stress after transplanting. Give it time and avoid overwatering.
- Heat Stress: Shade the plant during hot afternoons and ensure it’s watered in the morning.
- Overwatering: Wilting can also occur if roots are drowning. Check soil drainage.
A: Not necessarily! Browning can happen due to:
- Underwatering: Water deeply and consistently.
- Sunburn: If planted in full sun, move it to partial shade if possible.
- Root Damage: Check roots for rot or damage and repot or replant if needed.
A: Spots can indicate pests or disease:
- Inspect for pests like aphids or spider mites. Use insecticidal soap if needed.
- Fungal issues, like leaf spot, can be treated with fungicides and improved air circulation. Remove heavily affected leaves to prevent spread.
Growth and Adaptation
Q: My plant isn’t growing or producing new leaves. What can I do?A: Slow growth can result from several factors:
- Seasonal Dormancy: Some plants naturally go dormant in colder months.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Add a slow-release fertilizer to boost growth.
- Planting Depth: Ensure the root ball isn’t buried too deeply—roots need access to oxygen.
A: Leaf drop is common as plants adjust to new environments.
- Keep watering as recommended and give the plant time to acclimate.
- Ensure it’s not in a drafty or extreme location (too much sun, cold winds, etc.).
General Tips for Success
- Mulch Smartly: Mulch around your plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch 2–3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Prune Wisely: Prune dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth but avoid heavy pruning immediately after planting.
- Check Local Conditions: Be aware of your region’s hardiness zone and choose plants suited to your climate for the best results.
- Delivery times typically range from 2 to 7 business days, depending on the destination. Handling time is approximately 1-3 business days, and then an additional 1-4 business days in transit. We do our best to ensure that your plants arrive as quickly as possible.
With Nationwide Plants, LLC, you can expect:
- Healthy and Happy Arrival: Every plant is handpicked, nurtured, and expertly packaged to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
- 30 Days of Confidence: We’re so sure your plants will adapt well to their new home that we promise they’ll continue to thrive for at least 30 days after delivery. If any issues arise, we’re here to support you.
Q: How deep should I plant my tree or shrub?
A: The planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. The top of the root ball should sit slightly above ground level to prevent over-burying and root rot.Q: Should I fertilize my plant right after planting?
A: Avoid fertilizing immediately after planting, as it can stress the roots. Wait 4–6 weeks to allow the plant to establish itself, then apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.Q: My plant has white powdery spots on its leaves. What’s happening?
A: This is likely powdery mildew, a common fungal issue. Increase air circulation, avoid watering leaves, and apply a fungicide if needed. Prune affected leaves to prevent further spread.Q: Can I plant in clay soil?
A: Yes, but clay soil needs preparation. Mix in organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and aeration. Plant on a Mound. Consider trenching a drain from the planting hole. Raised beds or berms are also good options for clay-heavy areas.Q: How do I know if my plant is getting enough sunlight?
A: Observe your plant:- If leaves are pale or growth is sparse, it may need more light.
- If leaves are scorched or curling, it might be getting too much direct sun. Adjust its location accordingly based on its light needs (full sun, partial sun, or shade).
Q: My plant is growing unevenly or leaning. What should I do?
A: Uneven growth often happens due to inconsistent sunlight. Rotate potted plants weekly to promote balanced growth. For in-ground plants, consider staking to support and encourage upright growth.Q: Do I need to stake my new tree?
A: Only stake trees if they are in a windy area, have weak trunks, or are top-heavy. Remove stakes after the first growing season to allow the tree to grow strong and self-supporting.Q: How can I protect my plants from pests naturally?
A: Try these methods:- Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or praying mantises to control pests.
- Use homemade solutions like neem oil or a mild soap spray.
- Plant companion plants (e.g., marigolds) to deter pests naturally.
Q: Can I move my plant if I realize it’s in the wrong spot?
A: Yes, but timing matters. Transplant during cooler months (early spring or fall) to minimize stress. Water thoroughly before and after moving, and try to keep the root ball intact.Q: What should I do if my plant has mold on the soil?
A: Mold on the soil is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Remove the top layer of moldy soil and replace it with fresh, dry soil. Adjust your watering routine and ensure the pot has proper drainage.Q: How do I know if my soil is too compacted for planting?
A: Test your soil by inserting a screwdriver or garden spade. If it’s difficult to penetrate, your soil may be too compacted. Loosen the soil by aerating or mixing in organic matter like compost or sand.Q: What’s the best way to water newly planted trees and shrubs?
A: Use a slow, deep watering method to encourage roots to grow downward. A soaker hose or a slow-drip method works best. Avoid shallow watering, which can lead to weak root systems.Q: Why are my flowers wilting after I transplanted them?
A: Wilting is often a sign of transplant shock. Ensure you water them thoroughly, avoid fertilizing right away, and provide partial shade for a few days to help them acclimate.Q: My tree has bark peeling off. Is this a problem?
A: Peeling bark can be normal for some species or a sign of stress. Check for pests, sunscald, or disease. Protect young trees from sunscald with tree wraps in winter and maintain proper care.Q: Can I plant in the summer, or is it too hot?
A: You can plant in summer with extra care. Water deeply and frequently, mulch to retain moisture, and avoid planting during the hottest part of the day. Choose heat-tolerant species for best results.Q: My evergreen is losing needles. Should I be worried?
A: Some needle drop is normal, especially on older needles. If the needle loss is excessive or concentrated on one side, check for pests, disease, or watering issues.Q: How can I help my plant recover from frost damage?
A: Wait until the risk of frost has passed before pruning damaged areas. Water plants deeply to help them recover and add mulch to regulate soil temperature.Q: Do I need to prune my shrubs right after planting?
A: Avoid heavy pruning immediately after planting, as the plant needs time to establish its roots. Remove only damaged or dead branches at this stage.Q: How do I know if my plant is root-bound?
A: Check for roots circling the bottom of the pot or growing out of drainage holes. If root-bound, carefully loosen the roots before transplanting to allow them to spread in the new soil.Q: Can I plant multiple trees or shrubs close together?
A: Yes, but consider their mature size and spacing requirements. Crowded plants can compete for nutrients and light, leading to stunted growth. Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each species.Still have questions? Our team of experts is here to guide you!
Contact us at support@nationwideplants.com or call (704) 443-8256 for personalized advice. 🌱