Fall is a great time to plant trees. You can take benefits of sales at your local nursery and add a few dimensions to your yard’s landscape. You can even offer your new plants a jump start for next spring with suitable preparation.
A lot of experts claim that planting trees in fall is better. In fall, the tree can build new roots without having to nourish the leaves. Water necessities are much lower without the leaves on the tree. To us, it feels cool in autumn, but that is the finest temperature for root growth. Roots grow up best in cool soil.
There is probably less range in fall, but good quality nurseries do have many plants available because fall planting is becoming trendier. The other possible benefit is that there are good sales in the fall. A lower price may or may not be a good thing. If the plant is in fine condition, it is a good time to purchase. However, in fall you also discover trees that have been sitting in the garden center all summer and suffering due to the hot climate. These badly treated trees are not as good a deal. Make sure you check the plant’s leaves and soil before purchasing.
Right Plant, Right Place
Planting trees in fall season varies a little from spring procedures. The most important thing is to pick the right plant for the right location. This will involve research before heading to the nursery to pick out the plant. Consider the height and shape of the plant that is desirable in the landscape. Always plan for the grown-up size of the plant, not what you spot in a nursery pot. This stops plants from overtaking the selected space and decreases maintenance such as pruning.
Water to Keep the Roots Moist
Once the tree or shrub is planted, keep it properly watered. During winter, the soil does not dry up as rapidly as summer so there’s no need to water as often as the summer months. Test the moisture level and water as required throughout the entire winter. When watering, soak the soil and let it dry completely before the next watering.
Why it’s better to plant trees in the fall season
- Transpiration is low
Transpiration is the progression of water movement through a plant. Low transpiration in the cooler months of fall allows plants to conserve more water than in warmer months.
- Root generation is high
There is a high potential for roots growing in fall so plants can anchor into the ground and soak up water from the soil easier.
- More time to establish roots
Planting in the fall provides plants three seasons to develop their roots before the hot summer comes along. A fall planting allows the tree to develop and strengthen roots in fall and again in early spring before leaves develop. This gives the tree a superior chance to lay down a good set of roots before they need to gather water and nutrients for the leaves.
If you have questions about how to plant trees, contact Sexy Trees, certified arborist.