FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I appropriately select the right plant for my jobsite?

Every plant has an ideal temperature threshold. Plant a tree where it is too cold, it will freeze. Plant a tree where it is too warm, and root growth will stop and the plant will die. To assist plant users of all types, the USDA has divided different temperature belts into numbers, known as “zone hardiness numbers”. The number represents the lowest temperature an area is likely to receive in the average winter. Every plant also has a corresponding zone hardiness number which is the lowest temperature the plant can survive. This is the zone hardiness map for New Hampshire:

Please be advised that on any property, there are likely to be areas that have conditions that vary from the Zone hardiness. At your jobsite, you will find that you have microclimates, and need to take care to protect trees from those variations which could be harmful.

For information concerning your particular state, please reference:

http://www.growit.com

What can I do to ensure strong, productive rooting when I plant my trees?

Ask ten different people and you’re likely to hear ten different responses! How to properly plant a tree has been the source of countless books, lectures, and garden center conversations. We can tell you the Gold Star way, and you can pick and choose from it as you like.

Staking-

Staking helps the tree grow straight and acts as an anchor while it is freshly planted. Although the diagram shows only one stake, some trees and some applications may call for two (particularly sandy soils, exposed wind-prone areas etc). You can purchase the materials to stake your trees from us, when you buy your materials. ATTN: SANDY: PLS PUT A LINK HERE TO OUR ORDER FORM. Text should say ‘Buy stakes now.”

Soil-

Soil of different consistencies can create pockets of damp and pockets of dryness, all within the same hole! It is important to backfill the hole with the soil you dug out originally to ensure what is known as hydrological continuity, or even drainage.

Root Height-

One of the most common causes of tree stress and eventual failure is incorrect root depth. As the soil depth increases, so to does the soil compaction. Roots need fairly light, “easy” soil to grow well. If the hole is dug to the compacted soil layer, it is difficult for roots to adequately branch out. In general, the graft line should be just barely visible when planted.

Watering-

New trees need to be watered weekly. Water is the trees best defense against transplant shock.

Hole Size-

The hole should be three times the width of the root ball. This extra room means, that when backfilled in, the tree roots will be growing through fresh-tilled soil, rather than compacted oxygen-free soil. Where 3X hole size is not possible, take great care to till and aerate the soil as much as possible.

Can you locate plant materials for me that are not grown at Gold Star?

Absolutely! Gold Star Tree & Turf Farm takes pride in the working relationship we have with several other top-notch growers. We are more than happy to provide the “one stop shopping” experience, and because we only associate with other growers meeting our exacting standards, you can feel confident in your purchase.

How do I know Gold Star stands for quality?

This is a terrific question! We feel we offer the finest quality turfgrass and trees available, but don’t take our word for it. Our parcel of land has been farmed continuously for 40 years. Our skilled staff is continually abreast of new trends and best management practices by regularly attending conferences, meetings and trade shows. We are members of the following professional organizations:

• NH Landscape Association
• NH Plant Growers Association
• NH Recreation & Park Association
• ME Landscape & Nursery Association
• VT Professional Nursery Association
• Cape Cod Landscape Association
• Association of Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts
• New England Sports Turf Managers Association
• New England Gold Course Superintendents Association
• Turf Producers International

Additionally, we support the Winnisquam Regional High School Agriculture Program, which fosters the next generation of American farming.

How long can I let my sod sit on a pallet?

Sod is a perishable product. Your jobsite needs to be prepared, to allow that the sod is not on the pallet for longer than 24 hours. Heat, sunlight and humidity can affect the quality of the sod, so be mindful of planning the delivery with your planned installation.

How long will it take for my sod to root?

Sod that is installed properly and watered from the beginning properly, will begin to root in seven days. Be advised that for sports field applications, games should not be played on newly laid sod until solid rooting is confirmed.

How late in the year can sod be harvested?

This is entirely dependent on local weather conditions, but generally speaking, it can be harvested until the first hard frost.

What is the best time to install sod? Information to follow

What are the benefits of biostimulant?

Biostimulants have the ability to enable transplanted or stressed plants to take up additional amounts of water and nutrients from the soil, thus minimizing transplant shock or other additional stresses. 

When is the right time to plant sod?

Sod can be installed anytime that the grass is actively growing, if the soil and air temperatures are above 38 degrees F, and you have the ability to water the newly installed sod for at least two-four weeks.