Is Fall a Great Time for Landscape Enhancements?
Most people think Spring is the best time to plant shrubs and trees. However, there are lots of reasons why Fall is a more attractive alternative to planting trees.
Springtime weather tends to be a bit too unstable for new trees, sometimes dropping down to freezing temperatures and preventing new roots from catching. Following this is a typically hot and dry Summer, which saps new trees of water from their leaves.
On the other hand, Fall temperatures are a bit more mild. As long as the soil remains 40 degrees C or above, new trees can have a better chance of rooting and developing a foundation before Winter sets in.
Here are a few good tips if you’d like to plant new trees in Fall:
- Start early! New trees need approximately 6 weeks to develop a sustainable root structure, so don’t wait too long before getting them in the ground.
- Choose wisely. Deciduous trees are a better option for Fall planting. Evergreens lose water through their leaves in the winter, and are more susceptible to winter injury.
- Water liberally. After planting, new trees should be well watered thoroughly and consistently until the onset of freezing temperatures.
