Fall is ideal time to plant trees, especially native species
Trees! We admire their colorful leaves, then complain when these leaves drop onto our lawns and gardens.
We often underappreciate our trees. They provide us with privacy, shade, and noise reduction. Trees generate the oxygen we breathe, cleanse pollutants from our air, and filter, detoxify and recycle our water.
Their roots hold the earth in place and reduce stormwater runoff and erosion. Trees provide nesting and resting sites, shelter and food for wildlife, while hosting countless life forms among their roots, trunk, branches and leaves.
Fall, from mid-October after leaf drop through November, is an ideal time to plant trees.
At this time, the soil contains additional moisture, and the ground remains warm from the summer sun. These conditions promote root growth. The fall rains means less watering, while the cool weather allows trees to establish roots before the spring rains and summer heat stimulate new top growth.
Follow these steps to ensure proper tree planting and growth.
Purchase a healthy tree from the nursery. Leaf drop allows for close inspection of the tree's branch structure. Look for even or symmetrical branching, a strong leader, and pleasing shape. The tree bark should be intact without evidence of insect or disease damage.
When possible, select native species, which are best adapted to our local climate. Such trees provide seeds for native insects, caterpillars and wildlife. In addition, native species require less maintenance, less watering and fewer soil amendments. Decide if the tree's fall leaf color is best suited for your home site.
Determine the species of tree best suited for your planting location. For sites where you can view the tree from your home, select a tree that offers four-season interest.
Choose a variety with a mature vertical and horizontal height to fit the desired location. Be aware of overhead and underground utility lines. Based on the tree's mature size, avoid planting too close to the house or sidewalk, to prevent potential structural damage from limbs or roots.
Match the tree's sunlight and soil requirements with your preferred planting site. Assure the planting location has adequate soil drainage.
Before digging, locate all underground utility lines.
Dig a hole at least two times wider than the root ball, and as deep as the root ball. Identify the trunk flare (where the trunk expands at the base of the tree) and assure that the flare is level to the soil line. Burying the trunk flare is the leading cause of mortality for a newly planted tree.
Reinspect the tree, and prune dead, broken, or damaged branches. Lift and maneuver the tree by its root ball. Set the root ball on firm soil and remove all wires, twine, burlap and non-biodegradable bags.
Straighten the tree in the hole, viewing it from several directions.
For container grown trees, tease out circling roots or make one-inch deep cuts with a sharp knife to encourage the roots to spread into the planting hole.Backfill with the native soil you removed from the hole. Lightly tamp the soil to remove air pockets, ensuring good root-to-soil contact. No fertilizers or compost are necessary.Stake only if needed for stability. Penn State Extension recommends that most trees do not need to be staked or supported after planting because staking too rigidly can interfere with a tree's structural development. The stakes can also girdle the trunk if kept on the tree for too long.Place 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree out to the drip line to conserve moisture, moderate temperature extremes, and control weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk and bark.Create a shallow depression one-third larger than the diameter of the root ball and fill with water. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Barring rain, water trees at least once a week, and more frequently during hot, windy weather. Continue to water until there is a hard freeze.Help your investment grow with proper tree selection, site location, and correct care during and after planting.Mary Reefer is a Penn State Extension Master Gardener in Butler County.
