Why is Fall the Best Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs?by Renee C. Brannigan
For gardeners the cool fall temperatures are wonderful for working outside. Take advantage of this season and our End of the Season Sale to add a new tree or a grouping of shrubs to your landscape. If you have plans to add to your gardens, fall may be the best season to plant, surpassing even the spring for many reasons:
- The cooler fall weather is less stressful for plants, as well as gardeners. The trees are entering their dormant phase, so handling them now will be the least disruptive.
- The soil is usually warmer and dryer than in the spring and has not frozen yet..
- Since plant roots grow when the soil temperature is 40 degrees or higher, planting now gives them time to acclimate before the ground freezes and before spring rains and summer heat stimulate new top growth.
- Although plants are dormant during the winter months, their root systems are developing and becoming established. Since there is no growth in the upper branches, the plants energy is directed towards its root system, making it stronger. Once spring arrives, this expanded root system can better support and take advantage of the spring rains to facilitate the surge of spring growth.
- Ground covers and shallow-rooted shrubs may be heaved out of the ground by alternate freezing and thawing of the soil that often occurs in winter. Prevent this with a 2-4 inch layer of mulch will minimize wide soil temperature fluctuations.
- Wait until early spring to fertilize
- Water well in the fall before the ground freezes.
- Natural woodlands left intact can easily be amended and "tamed" by incorporating wildflowers and shade loving shrubs to create a nice transition between your yard and the woodlands.
- Low-growing shrubs incorporated into a rock garden with ground covers are a great solution for a steep slope and/or surface stones or ledge.
- When choosing a tree, definitely keep in mind the mature size of the tree or shrub you are considering. It sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget when you see a really nice tree or shrub.
(http://www.pse.uri.edu/maynard_susplants/html_spl2000/list.htm). The list excludes invasive species while including native plants that are: better acclimated to the region, not as prone to pest problems, and more favorable for native wildlife than exotic plants. Sustainable species are also lower maintenance, have fewer pest issues, and need less water.
The URI Sustainable Plant Guide lists plants which do well in Southern New England (USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-5b). While many favorite plants aren't listed (either because they are high maintenance or due to pests), as they say on their website:
"Life would be indeed dull without a rose,
but most of us would not want to maintain a half-acre of them."
A sample of listed trees include: Red Maple, American Hornbeam, Hackberry, Sour Gum, American Hop Hornbeam, Fire Cherry, and White Oak trees. Some of the native shrubs listed are: Sweet Pepperbush, Winterberry Holly, Mountain Laurel, Swamp Azalea, Highbush Blueberry, American Highbush Cranberry.but most of us would not want to maintain a half-acre of them."
Enhance your yard with some trees and gain many benefits:
- energy savings by shading your home during summer months next year and many years to come;
- trees produce oxygen, cleaning the air you breathe;
- create sound and visual screens;
- add color and texture to the landscape;
- provide shelter and sometimes food for birds and wildlife;
- fresh fruit and nuts for you to enjoy;
- increase your home's property values; and
- control runoff in heavy rains
Sources:
http://landscaping.about.com/od/treecare/qt/when_plant_tree.htm
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/tree_planting.aspx
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/newsletters/hortupdate/nov01/art5nov.html
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