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Every year I write about why fall is the best time to plant. I did so just a few weeks ago. And yet just a few days ago Southwood’s Tree and Shrub Section Leader, Jacob Odle, told me that he and his cohorts have been asked repeatedly whether it’s okay to plant now.
The answer is yes. But clearly, I’ve failed to make my message clear. However, I understand the confusion, particularly since most folks think of spring as the best time to plant (and in many cases it is). But when it comes to trees and shrubs, fall is far better. So here’s the why, when, and what of fall planting.
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Here’s why now is the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. In late spring and summer, trees and shrubs devote much of their energy into producing branches, leaves, and in some cases flowers and fruit as well. But in the late fall and winter, even into early spring, energy is directed toward root development which, so long as soil temperatures remain above 40 degrees, can be considerable. That growth results in a much more robust root system and a plant that’s better equipped to deal with summer stress due to hot temps and lack of rainfall.
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| Even when you cut down a tree, its roots can continue to grow for several years. |
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So long as the ground can be worked, it’s okay to plant, meaning so long as the ground isn’t frozen, you’re good to go. And around here, the ground doesn’t freeze all that often. Most years, planting can continue into December. But remember -- the sooner you plant in the fall the more time the plant will have to develop that all important root system. Said another way, the time to plant trees and shrubs is now.
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First and foremost, what you should plant this time of year is the vast majority of deciduous trees and shrubs, as well as conifers. But there are exceptions, notably crape myrtles and Loropetalums. And there’s a risk in planting broad-leaved evergreens as well -- Magnolia and hollies in particular -- especially if we have an extremely cold and dry winter..
Although I’m focusing on trees and shrubs, it’s also a great time to plant a number of perennials for the same reason. Again, there are exceptions, namely butterfly bushes and most ornamental grasses.
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| The roots of the Sassafras tree were once used to make root beer and teas, but the oil in the roots, safrole, was banned by the FDA in 1960 after it was found to cause cancer in mice. |
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Southwood Design Studio: Love Coming Home From the first impression to the final glow, every detail shines. Designed to impress both day and night, this landscape showcases craftsmanship and creativity at every turn. Custom stonework defines the space, while carefully selected plantings provide color and texture throughout every season. As evening falls, ambient lighting transforms the scene into a stunning display that highlights its best features. https://southwoodgardencenter.com/landscaping/
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If you don’t have the time or inclination to plant trees and shrubs, we’ve got you covered. Our experienced installation crews are ready to help, and they’ve got the equipment required to install any and every size tree we sell. And for peace of mind, we offer a one-year replacement guarantee or store credit when we do the planting.
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| The vast majority of tree roots are located in the top 12” of soil, and they often extend two to four times beyond the tree’s dripline or outermost branches. |
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Okay, so you don’t need help planting, but maybe you could use some tips? Check out my blog from 2017 on how to plant a tree.
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Coming Next Week -- Frosts, Freezes, and Killing Freezes
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What’s the difference between a frost, a freeze, and a killing freeze, and what effect does each have on plants? Tune in next week to find out.
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Tip Of The Week
Avoid working in the garden when the soil is soaking wet. Doing so will lead to compaction, which is one of the worst enemies of plants. |
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