Adding new trees to your yard can be a bit pricey at first, but the value that they can add to your home well outweighs their initial cost. Planting new trees at the right time gives them the best opportunity to thrive in your landscape, helping to protect your investment. For our area, that means either late spring or early fall. You want to give the roots ample time to acclimate themselves to the soil before summer heat, potential drought conditions, or freezing temperatures set in. Oftentimes, the best time to plant a tree depends on the type of tree it is. Here are some general guidelines for the most common types of trees.
Bare Root Trees
Bare root trees are removed from the ground while they are dormant, stored in moist packaging, and shipped without soil. These trees are best planted in the spring, so that their delicate roots won’t be affected by freezing. It is also important to plant bare root trees as soon as you get them to give them the best chance at thriving. Wait too long and the roots can dry out, shocking or even killing the tree even before you plant it.
Container Trees
Container trees have been grown in pots or burlap, and as such still have their roots in soil. They aren’t as delicate as bare root trees, which means that you can choose to plant them in the spring or fall so long as you time it to avoid very high or low temperatures.
Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees are best planted in the fall, after they have dropped their leaves. By planting them during this time, you are helping the tree get well-established. The tree does not have leaves to support, so it can put all of its energy toward growing a strong and healthy root system. Keep them well-watered throughout the fall and winter, and come spring you will have a very healthy tree.
Evergreens
Evergreens are much like container trees. They can be planted in either early fall or late spring, so long as you are careful to avoid any risk of extreme heat within the first few weeks of planting.
Conifers
Conifers are more susceptible to cold weather than evergreens because their needles lose moisture throughout the winter. These trees are best planted in the spring before summer heat sets in. This gives them a chance to establish themselves before winter comes.
Transplants
If you are looking to add a more sizeable tree to your yard, you are most likely planning to get a transplant tree. These can be planted in the spring after the ground warms up but before the tree sets any buds, and they can also be planted in the fall after the leaves have fallen.
Planting a tree at the right time, and in the right location, can be a little bit more difficult than you might think. If you are looking to add a new tree to your yard, give us a call for an expert opinion. Our licenced arborists have years of training with all types of tree services, from planting to pruning to removal. Give us a call anytime for a free consultation.