Imagine bluebirds flitting among the maple leaves, singing to each other. Nearby, a cardinal stops for a quick snack at the cranberry bushes. Butterflies hover over fragrant lilacs.

Reality might be something closer to a yard with a single tree. Consider adding trees and shrubs whether you want to create a haven for birds or just make a new yard more attractive.

Trees and shrubs need only basic pruning, watering and fertilizing to stay healthy. However, there is one often-neglected step that will ensure your tree or shrub’s long-term health: properly preparing the soil.

The best way to do that is to mix in the right amount of Canadian sphagnum peat moss when transplanting. Canadian sphagnum peat moss is a natural, organic soil conditioner. Its unique cell structure helps regulate moisture and air around plant roots, creating ideal growing conditions.

Peat moss:

• Aerates plant roots by loosening heavy clay soil.
• Adds body to sandy soil.
• Saves water by absorbing and holding moisture.
• Reduces leaching or runoff of nutrients present in or added to the soil, releasing them over time.

Your checklist for easy transplanting:

• Dig a hole three times the width of the root ball and just as deep, sloping the sides of the hole outward to 45 degrees. Loosen bottom of hole with a garden fork.
• Remove tree or shrub from packaging and cut off any damaged or rotted roots. Place plant in hole, making sure it’s vertical and that the shrub is positioned so that its best side is facing the way you want it.
• Mix one part peat with two parts soil removed from the hole. Backfill around the root ball.
• Water and allow to settle (approx. 15 minutes depending on size of hole).
• Add the remaining peat soil mix, making a ridge encircling the plant (like a saucer) to hold water. Be sure to avoid backfilling above the bark line.
• In heavy clay soil, loosen the top six inches of soil around the tree or shrub to a radius three to six feet and mix in two inches of peat moss.
• Mulch the "saucer" area and water twice a week for three to four weeks.

Note: Some trees need staking. Ask your local garden or county extension service for more information.

Acidic soil plants
For plants that require a more acidic soil, such as azaleas, conifers and rhododendrons, follow the transplanting checklist except mix one part peat with one part soil removed from the hole.