Fall is in the air! The leaves are starting to change colors, the days are getting shorter and mums are showing up on every doorstep. Did you know that fall is also a great time to plant a tree? Many people think that planting trees and shrubs is a spring thing, but fall offers many unique benefits.
Better Root Growth
One of the best reasons why planting a new tree is best in the fall is because of the cooler temperatures. Spring can be warm and increase to hot temperatures quickly, but fall typically gets cooler by the day. These temperatures are favorable to developing roots and won’t interfere with their growth. Also, since perennials often go dormant in the fall and winter, they use this energy to create a stronger root system.
Moisture from Fall Rains
The fall also brings something else: rain! New Jersey is no stranger to the moisture that fall brings, and this rain will get your newly planted tree off to a great start. Just be sure that you plant your tree about six weeks before the first frost is expected. That’s why now is a great time to plant a tree in NJ, as we have several more weeks of warm temperatures and light moisture.
Less Disease and Infestation
If you’ve ever had a plant fall victim to a disease or infestation, you know just how severe these problems can be. Spring and summer are the months when these problems are most active, but fall is not. Since young trees are most vulnerable to attack, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding infestations when planting in the fall.
Also, don’t forget that you can get plants and shrubs for the best prices during the fall! Check out your local nursery and see the great deals you can get on lovely trees and plants.
Practice Good Planting Habits
Now that you know that fall is an excellent time to plant a tree, there’s no reason to wait. If you found that something was lacking in your yard this year, or that you want more privacy or shade next summer, visit your local nursery and choose a tree that fits your needs. You’ll want to follow the same good practices as always:
Water the tree right after planting it so that the roots can settle into the ground.
Fertilize the tree with a low nitrogen plant food to feed the roots.
Place mulch around the base of the tree so that it will hold moisture in and protect the roots from freezing temperatures.