Many people believe the misconception that fall is the end of the growing season. However, the fact is the exact opposite is actually true. Fall is the perfect season to plant trees, shrubs and other plants. The key to having success this time of year is to encourage good growth of the roots, which is possible (if you know what to do) during the fall months. When you plant in the fall, the roots can get established before the extreme temperatures of summer return.
When to Plant Trees in the Fall?
If you are thinking about planting trees this fall, you may wonder when you should do this. The best time is between the months of September and October. As mentioned before, the temperatures will be cooler out, but not too cold. It will also let the tree get established before summer arrives.
Getting Your Soil Ready
Before planting a tree, or any other plant for that matter, you need to make sure the soil is ready. You should amend the soil to combat the heavy clay that is present in much of the area. Also, you need to add mulch around the trunk of the tree, without letting it actually come in contact with it. There are several benefits offered by this:
• Mulch helps to keep the soil moist • Mulch will regulate the temperature of the soil
Staking Your Trees
Once you have your tree planted and the mulch in place, you need to stake it up. This involves using wood or other sturdy material to keep the tree in an upright position. When you do this, it will secure the tree and make sure it doesn’t suffer damage when the winds kick up during the winter months, and staking will help ensure the roots get established properly. Please note staking is only necessary for plants at risk of being displaced by wind/water, or plants who have a loose soil in their rootball.
Tips for Fall Tree Planting Success
If you want the best chance for success with your newly planted tree, then you need to make sure you remove any tags, branches that are damaged or other foreign objects that may hinder the growth. This will help ensure the tree has the best chance possible to successfully take root and begin to grow.
As you can see, there are several reasons to plant trees during the fall months of the year. If you have questions about the type of trees to plant this time of year, or just want help with the process, it is a good idea to contact the professionals. They will be able to provide you with the advice and information you need to have the best chance of successfully growing a new tree in the fall.
