Planting at the right time
Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs in Atlanta. Air temperatures drop but the soil stays warm, so roots grow all winter and plants are ready for summer heat. Average last frost is in mid-to-late March and first frost in mid-November. Warm-season sod such as Bermuda and zoysia goes in best from late spring through summer, when it is actively growing.
Preparing clay for planting
Digging a hole in clay and dropping a plant in creates a bowl that holds water and drowns the roots. We loosen soil across the whole bed, work in organic matter, set plants slightly high so the root flare sits above grade, and mulch to hold moisture and keep soil cooler.
Plants we rely on
We favor natives and tough adapted plants that handle heat, humidity and clay: oakleaf hydrangea, inkberry holly, Florida anise, abelia, river birch, redbud, black gum, switchgrass, coneflower and native ferns for shade. We match each plant to the light where it will grow.
New lawns
For sod, we kill and remove the old lawn, regrade so water drains away from the house, till and amend the top few inches, then lay sod tight with staggered seams and roll it. You get a watering schedule for the first weeks.