Learn more about why It is Better to Plant Your Trees in the Fall.
Although the ideal planting time differs depending on the region, autumn is generally recommended for planting new fruit and ornamental trees in areas with distinct seasons. Regions that have stable, mild temperatures throughout the year are typically able to sow seeds at any time of the year.
Many individuals are concerned about the ability of fragile young trees to endure the winter season, but this concern is unfounded. It is actually safe to plant trees until the soil is frozen completely (typically after the initial severe frost). You can utilize a personalized planting schedule for discovering your frost dates and identifying the best planting times.
What happens if there is snow covering the ground? If you are able to insert your shovel into the ground, it is likely safe to continue planting after providing adequate watering and mulching for your tree. We will delve into that further later on.
Benefits Of Planting Trees During Fall
Reduced Pressure On The Tree
Trees that are planted during the spring season bear a significant amount of stress. They must develop fresh leaves and fresh roots simultaneously. They can concentrate their efforts on increasing the number of roots, instead of producing new leaves.
Soil Is More Heated
In autumn, the soil is warmer than it is in spring. This is because the soil has been heated throughout the entire summer and remains warm, providing ample time for a tree to develop roots and take in nutrients before becoming dormant. Roots begin to grow upon contacting damp soil and keep growing as the soil temperature remains above 45°F, which can last into winter with adequate mulch.
When spring arrives and encourages the first new shoots to appear, your tree planted in the fall already has a well-established root system growing. It is easier to dig in warm soil, which typically has fewer weeds in autumn if you have been maintaining them.
Requires Less Water
Although new trees, including drought-tolerant ones, require ample water to establish themselves, the responsibility of watering is easier during the fall due to increased rainfall, cooler temperatures, and shorter days which help retain moisture in the soil. Recently planted trees require regular watering until the soil freezes.
This implies that you will still have to water them during an abnormally dry autumn, but not as frequently as you would in the spring, when heading into the summer heat. If you can't find trees easily in autumn at your nearby physical store, consider using an internet-based nursery to purchase your tree.
Drawbacks Of Fall Tree Planting
Limited Stock On Hand
Although a lot of nurseries harvest their bare-root trees in autumn, they usually keep the majority of them in storage during winter and then put them up for sale in spring. If you have ordered trees in the fall and had to wait several months to receive them, you may be familiar with this experience.
Frequently, the variety of trees available at your nearby physical store is reduced by the end of summer. If you wish to sow seeds during autumn, do not despair. There are online nurseries that you can visit for a diverse year-round selection and regular seasonal sales.
Rising Issues With Pests
We understand your thoughts, but the insects are either deceased or close to death! Regrettably, your yard likely harbors additional pests that are searching for tasty new trees to eat as their food supply diminishes. In the fall, deer are common in many region, but we also have to contend with rabbits, pack rats, and other rodents that enjoy consuming the bark of young trees, leading to scarring or girdling.
Make sure to safeguard your trees from damage by using tree guards or trunk protectors if you have animals like these nearby, or use tall fencing to keep deer away from new trees.
Damage From Winter Occurs Prior To The Establishment Of Tree Roots
The weather is often unpredictable, so you could experience an early cold snap or, in the worst-case scenario, a blizzard shortly after planting your tree. To prevent winter damage to young trees, the key factor (apart from mulching immediately after planting) is ensuring they receive ample water, especially just before a severe frost.
The most challenging aspect of winter is not the low temperatures, but the harm caused by desiccation (roots drying up). Make sure to water your trees weekly until the soil becomes frozen. If you have many trees to water, we suggest using watering bags like these - simply fill them up and the water will slowly seep out, preventing pooling or runoff.
Guide To Planting Trees During Fall
1. Ensure The Correct Tree Is Planted In The Appropriate Location
Select a tree from your preferred nursery, and make sure to consider its requirements for sunlight, water, and soil drainage, as well as its growth characteristics like height, spread, deciduousness, or evergreen nature.
Are you interested in a quickly developing tree for creating privacy? Are you interested in having pollen, sap, or a pile of autumn leaves covering your driveway annually? Consider these factors before incorporating a new tree into your yard.
2. When Planting In Grass, Make Sure To Get Rid Of The Sod
Use a shovel to remove the surface vegetation by cutting it and then slide the blade under the grass to lift it in clumps. You may enjoy burying these clusters (with the grass facing downwards) deep in the hole where you're planting; the grass will break down naturally and contribute organic material to the soil.
3. Excavate A Suitable Pit
The bottom of the tree must not be positioned lower than the soil around it, as water gathering near the trunk may cause decay. Place the tree directly in the natural soil without adding any fertilizer or nutrients to allow the roots to extend into the native soil.
To enhance the soil, a more effective method is to apply a layer of compost around the tree extending up to the drip line, ensuring nutrients are distributed evenly throughout the entire root zone. Compost can also be used as an effective mulch.
