PEMBERVILLE – When people consider gardening many only think of vegetables and/or flowers. That would be
a mistake.
The right tree, shrub or bush can make a huge difference in the landscape and appearance of one’s
property and enhance the garden(s).
Like smaller plants, the variety available is endless, according to Laura Esker, the Garden Center
manager at North Branch Nursery in Pemberville, it is much better to have lengthy discussion with a
professional before doing anything else.
If one plants a $2 or $5 plant in the ground and it dies a premature death, you have not lost much;
however plant a $50 and up tree and it is put in the wrong place and doesn’t make it, now you have lost
something more significant.
"Fall is the nicer time to plant, but you also can plant in the spring as long as you will be there
to water," she said cautioning against extended vacations.
One common mistake made by homeowners is mulching too close to trees. Esker says many people like to use
the mounding approach where mulch is placed up against a tree trunk and gradually tapered away. Others
think they have a better idea and use what is called the volcano approach where a hole is left in the
middle of the mounded mulch with the tree growing out of the hole in the volcano-like mulch design.
Esker says they recommend to scrap both those designs and to keep the mulch a minimum of three finger
spaces away from the trunk.
"Just keep the mulch away from the tree so the tree doesn’t feel suffocated," she said.
"It will struggle because it feel it is planted too deep and struggles for moisture."
The bushes, shrubs and trees are growing in popularity as more and more people don’t want to be a slave
to their yard.
"The industry is looking for more and more low maintenance trees and shrubs," Esker said.
"They are also developing more disease-resistant and pest-resistant varieties," Esker said.
"They want to plant it and forget it."
North Branch grows the vast majority of items sold including having seven acres to grow the trees they
sell. "We grow 90 percent of everything we sell," Esker affirmed. "Items grown locally
have the best survival rate."
Japanese males are one of the most popular items at North Branch as they carry a minimum of 25
varieities.
Esker also noted a growing trend of having edibles on homeowners properties, including such diverse items
as apple trees and raspberry bushes.
North Branch’s owner, Tom Oberhouse reminds homeowners, "Before you plant, do your research. Make
sure you have the proper plant in the proper location to maximize your investment."