Many people choose to plant trees in the fall. They want to give their landscape new life and know that planting trees during this season will give them time to establish a robust root system before the summer heat arrives. However, knowing the right time for planting trees in the fall is crucial, and growers must take specific steps to give a tree the best odds of survival.
Why Plant in the Fall?
Fall is the ideal time to plant trees. The soil hasn’t cooled, so the roots will have time to get established before cold temperatures arrive. The tree won’t have as much foliage, allowing it to focus its energy underground. However, growers must protect the trees if there is an early frost. Nature will typically take care of the tree’s watering requirements through rainfall, and planting trees in the fall seems to make them better at withstanding drought conditions.
Choosing the Right Trees
Growers must carefully choose which trees to plant in the fall. They must consider the climate and local soil conditions and ensure the tree has room to grow. Native trees typically do best because they are suited to local climate conditions. Evergreens are ideal for areas with cold weather, while deciduous trees need some sunlight to thrive.
Determine which type of soil the tree needs to thrive. Maple trees require rich, well-drained soils. Weeping willows, in contrast, are perfect for those areas where moisture is retained. They thrive in damp conditions.
A tree must have enough room to grow and spread its roots. It also must have enough room to reach up to the sky. Avoid planting large trees in small spaces or near power lines.
Maples are ideal for fall planting because they do well in temperate zones and add beauty to the landscape each fall with their vibrant colors. Those who want to add evergreens should consider spruces and firs. These trees keep their needles all year, providing the perfect backdrop for other landscape elements.
Bare-root trees are best. They cost less at the time of purchase and establish root systems rapidly. Visit a local nursery to get recommendations on trees suited for the local environment.
Helping the Tree Thrive
A tree must be planted in the right spot to thrive. Test the soil to determine whether nutrients are missing and adjust as needed. Loosen the soil before planting so the roots can spread and ensure ample drainage. Check the soil temperature and plant when it isn’t too hot or cold. Doing so gives the roots time to spread without stressing them.
Give the tree room to grow and ensure it has plenty of sunlight. Consider wind directionwhen planting to protect the young tree from damage, and choose a spot with few rocks in the soil. These rocks could prevent the roots from spreading fully. Find a place near the hose to make watering the young tree easier.
Remove grass and debris before digging a hole for the tree. The hole should be double the width of the root ball but no deeper than the tree roots. Place the tree in the hole and gently spread the roots. The soil should be moist. Backfill the hole and firm it gently to ensure there are no air pockets. Create a ring of soil around the base for water retention and thoroughly water the tree.
Water young trees weekly, but don’t get the soil soggy. It should be moist. Larger trees need a gallon of water for each square foot of root spread weekly to thrive. Mulch will help trees retain this moisture while preventing weeks.
Once the tree is in the ground, the focus turns to caring for it. Owners must prune, fertilize, and mulch trees to help maintain a healthy root system and keep pests away. With the proper care, trees planted in fall will be resilient and vibrant. Who could ask for more?
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