Garden guides & planting tips
Straight from the people who grow and sell it. Quick, no-nonsense guidance for getting plants in the ground and keeping them thriving in the Capital Region.
Plant it right, water it right
Our guarantee is contingent on proper planting and watering — so here is exactly how, straight from Troy’s own handout. Questions on your specific plant? Call us at (518) 785-1526.
Planting a Tree or Shrub — the right way
How you plant it decides whether it lives. Follow these and you’ll be in good shape:
- Set the root ball — don’t bury it. Do not place soil on top of the root ball or against the trunk of the tree.
- Build a transition zone. Backfill with 1/3 compost or peat moss mixed with 2/3 of your existing soil — mix it thoroughly.
- Leave the cage, burlap & string on the root ball. Removing them will result in death of the plant. Remove only the top string the following spring.
- Mulch the top. Place about two inches of mulch over the root ball to hold moisture and cool the roots — keep it off the trunk.
- Soak it in. Saturate the root ball and let it drain, then water regularly through the first season (see watering below).
Our guarantee is contingent upon proper planting and watering.
Watering 101 — Troy’s 4 Rules
Water is the single most important factor in whether your new tree or shrub survives. Plants that are under-watered or improperly watered will struggle at best — most will die. The basics:
- More is more. Unless it’s an evergreen or you have extremely wet, clay soil, you are very unlikely to overwater.
- Long, deep soaks beat a daily sprinkle. Lay a hose over the root ball, set a slow trickle, and let it run 20–60 minutes depending on root-ball size — the bigger the ball, the longer it takes. Do this 1–3× per week depending on plant type, temperature, humidity, rainfall and soil.
- Never trust a sprinkler system. Sprinklers are for grass, not trees and shrubs. When it comes to your landscape plants, pretend you don’t own one.
- Don’t overestimate rain. Thunderstorms rarely water plants properly — keep your regular watering schedule despite the rain.
None of these are 100% true for every situation — call us at (518) 785-1526 for your specific plant.
One-year limited guarantee on hardy trees and shrubs
All Zone 5 hardy trees and shrubs purchased at retail are subject to a one year limited guarantee from the date of the invoice. The original invoice and plant must be returned to Troy's for a satisfactory inspection and acceptance of the claim. All guarantee claims will be issued a store credit for 50% of the price paid only and there are no cash refunds. There is no guarantee for: perennials, annuals, tropicals, house plants, or any wholesale purchases of plant material, or for any damage relating to weather conditions, animals, insects or neglect. Nursery stock or other merchandise may be exchanged within 24 hours from the date of purchase only and will be subject to a 25% restocking fee.
These are the terms printed on every Troy's invoice. The guarantee is contingent upon proper planting and watering — see the two guides above.
Planting a Tree the Right Way
Dig wide, not deep; find the root flare; water it in. The few steps that make or break a new tree.
Mulching Do's & Don'ts
2–3 inches, pulled back from the trunk. Why "mulch volcanoes" slowly kill plants — and how much you actually need.
Choosing Privacy Evergreens
Arborvitae vs. spruce vs. holly — spacing, growth rate, and what actually screens a Capital Region yard.
Designing a Perennial Bed
Thrillers, fillers & spillers; bloom succession; sun vs. shade. Build a bed that looks good March to frost.
Watering New Plantings
Deep and infrequent beats a daily sprinkle. The first-season watering schedule that gets roots established.
Hardscape Planning 101
Base depth, slope for drainage, and how to estimate pavers and sand before you start your patio or walk.
Got a question about your yard?
Bring a photo and your conditions to the counter — our staff will help you pick the right plant and get it in the ground right.
Ask our team