new tree planting? NB?

pdxmouse

So I bought a Kousa dogwood at a plant swap ($5!!). It's about 3 ft tall right now, looking very healthy and happy in it's pot.

How should I go about planting it? I have a partial shade spot that has nothing in it (except weeds, but we'll be taking care of that first).

I've heard that staking is not recommended anymore? I don't mind having a slight natural arch in the trunk, I just don't it to be more prone to falling.

Do I prune in the first year? I would like a single trunk (which it is right now), and to keep it from looking too shrubby long-term.

Also, when can I plant around it? I was thinking mostly hosta and hellebore. Or can I put containers around it temporarily? 

Thanks so much guys, I'm learning so much from you all.

~NB~

Congrats on your new tree!

I plant bare-root. Here's a good explanation:

http://www.newenglandisa.org/PlantingTreesTheRootWashingWayJimFlott.pdf

No tree that small should require staking, and no tree that has been planted via the root washing method described above should ever need to be staked.

Here's another example, just for fun:

http://takingplace.net/2009/07/24/root-washing-test-case/

Kousas can handle full sun (just in case you didn't know).

Don't prune it now, wait at least one full growing season for any new tree or shrub.

Here is some info by the world's foremost authority on tree pruning:

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/documents/ch_12_mw04.pdf

If you intend to do underplantings, I would do so at the same time that you plant the tree. That way, you won't be cutting any tree roots to plant your perennials later on.

 

 

pdxmouse

Thank you so much!

The spot is shady about half the day, but when it gets sun, it really gets sun. Hopefully that'll keep it happy enough.

Hellebores aren't available for sale until spring. Should I repot it in a bigger pot and collect all my plants, or is it better to just get the tree in the ground now?

~NB~

I am famous for repotting and "growing out" my trees and shrubs in progressively larger containers, but it would be happier in the ground. Especially in winter. Outdoor pots have to be truly massive and hardy for overwintering. So plant, and add the Hellebores when you can.