Did you hold off on planting new trees this spring and now you’re regretting the decision?
Planting trees in the fall is ideal for a couple of reasons. The ground is still warm even if the air is crisp! The warmer soil temperature means that your tree can send out new roots and settle into the garden quicker than if you planted it in the cold spring ground. In the spring and summer, your tree may be at danger of drying out and dying, but the cooler fall air and rains means your tree has a better chance of survival if planted now.
According to Purdue University, magnolia, dogwood, tuliptree, sweet gum, red maple, birch, hawthorn, poplars, cherries, plum and many of the oaks are among the plants that are best saved for spring planting. So just about any other tree is safe to plant this time of year, but don’t let a good bargain slip through your fingers.
Trees You Can Safely Plant in the Fall
Tree’s that we suggest planting in the fall include:
- Alder
- Ash
- Honey
- Locust
- Elm
- Linden
- Maple
- Sycamore
- Pines
- Spruces
TLC for Fall Planted Trees
Water your fall planted trees with an inch of water a week until the ground has frozen even if the deciduous trees have lost all their leaves. If the tree is a thin-barked species (or really young), wrap the bark in November to prevent cracking, sun scald and damage by animals. The wrapping should be removed in March when the tree is coming out of dormancy and beginning to grow.
Take advantage of the warm soil temperatures to plant a tree and get its roots established before winter comes.
Contact us at Hometown Lawn and Landscape to plan for the Fall and set up your complimentary consultation for planting.
How to Plant a Tree Correctly
A tree’s first weeks in the ground shape the rest of its life, so the planting itself matters as much as the timing. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball is tall. Planting too deep is one of the most common mistakes and slowly suffocates the roots. Find the root flare, the point where the trunk widens into the roots, and set the tree so that flare sits at or just above ground level. Backfill with the native soil, water it in to settle air pockets, and avoid heaping soil against the trunk.
Care Through the First Year
Spread two to three inches of mulch in a wide ring, keeping it several inches clear of the trunk to prevent rot. Water deeply right after planting and continue through the fall until the ground freezes, since new roots need steady moisture. Only stake a tree if it cannot stand on its own, and remove the stakes after the first growing season so the trunk can develop strength. A little movement in the wind actually helps a young tree build a sturdy trunk.
Want help choosing and planting the right tree for your Maryland yard? Call Hometown Tree Experts at 301-250-1033 for a free consultation.