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Planting and Garden Installation in Peoria, IL

Trees, shrubs, perennials and new garden beds, planted so they actually make it through a Peoria summer and winter. That starts with the hole, the soil and the timing, not just the plant.

Planting services

  • New garden beds
  • Shrubs and foundation plantings
  • Trees
  • Perennials and native plants
  • Replacing dead or overgrown plants

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Short answer

When is the best time to plant in Peoria?

Fall, from about early September into October, is the best time for most trees and shrubs: the soil is still warm, the air is cooler, and roots grow before winter. Spring, once the ground dries out from April into May, is the other good window. Summer planting works but needs a lot more watering.

Why do new plants die in Peoria yards? Most often: planted too deep in heavy clay, the hole fills with water like a bathtub, and roots rot. Or the plant isn’t hardy for zone 5b/6a winters. Or it simply didn’t get watered through its first summer.

Gloved hands planting red flowering plants in a freshly dug garden bed

How we plant

Planting for clay soil

  • Wide, not deep. We dig the hole two to three times wider than the root ball and no deeper, so the plant sits at or slightly above grade.
  • Loosened soil. We break up the clay sides of the hole so roots can spread out instead of circling.
  • Right plant, right spot. Sun, shade, wet spots and mature size all decide what goes where.
  • Mulch, not volcanoes. 2 to 3 inches of mulch, kept a few inches off trunks and stems.
  • Watering plan. You get clear instructions for the first season, when most losses happen.
  • Utilities marked first. We have lines marked through JULIE (811) before we dig.

What we plant

Plants that do well here

Native perennials

Coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and other prairie natives handle clay, heat and dry spells once established.

Tough shrubs

Shrubs rated for zone 5 winters, sized so they won’t swallow your windows in five years.

Shade plantings

Hostas, ferns and shade perennials for the areas under mature oaks and maples.

Planning a bigger change? Start with a landscape design.

FAQ

Planting questions

Do you guarantee plants?

[Answer per partner. State the warranty terms only if the partner confirms them.]

Can you plant trees in the strip by the street?

Trees in the city right-of-way are handled by the City of Peoria Forestry Division. Check with them first. See Peoria rules.

How often should I water new plants?

Deeply about once or twice a week in the first season, more in hot, dry spells. Clay holds water, so don’t water every day.

Can you remove old overgrown shrubs too?

Yes. Removal and haul-away can be part of the same job.

Get a planting estimate

Call or request a free written estimate. We will get back to you within [RESPONSE TIME].