Can you plant trees in the fall? You might ask this question if you have an itch to plant a new tree but missed your spring planting window. Yes, you can plant trees in the fall, and it may be better for your tree in the long run.
Greene Pointe Tree Care is a tree-loving tree service company in Bluffdale, UT. Our goal is to keep trees healthy, so keep reading to learn how you can plant trees in the fall for beautiful plants next year.
The Benefits of Planting Trees in the Fall
If you’re asking, “Can you plant trees in the fall?” then you’re probably not aware of the benefits of trees planted in the cooler season. Choosing fall over spring will give your trees advantages, including:
- Reduced heat stress: Cooler temperatures will help your plant not scorch like it will in summer. Trees planted in spring often struggle in the summer sun.
- Better soil moisture: Reduced temperatures prevent water from evaporating away as fast, allowing the soil to stay moist much longer. Some areas get more rain in the fall, making watering much easier.
- More time to establish: As temperatures cool down, your young tree will devote its energy to root growth as it prepares for the dormant season. Strong roots will help the tree thrive next year as it will be more prepared for hot and dry conditions.
- Fewer maintenance chores: One of the many fall-planting benefits includes having fewer chores. Most pests wind down at this time of year, and you don’t have to water as often.
- Reduced transplant shock: Since the new tree isn’t exposed to heating temperatures, tree establishment is much easier.
How To Plant Trees in the Fall
Planting trees in the fall is simple. Follow these steps for a successful planting:
- Choose the right spot: Select a sunny area with great drainage to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. Think ahead about how big the tree will be one day, so you don’t plant it too close to structures or other trees.
- Test the soil conditions: Make sure the soil is still above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s lower than that, or other trees have already lost all their leaves, it’s too late to plant.
- Plant and mulch the tree: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball but about twice as wide and plant the tree so the root crown is level with the soil line. Mulch the tree with up to 3 inches of mulch, ensuring it is 2 inches away from the tree trunk to prevent moisture problems.
- Water regularly until it freezes: Water about once each week until the first freeze. Once it freezes, you can stop watering until spring.
Let Green Pointe Tree Care Help You Plant Trees
Our Green Pointe Tree Care team can answer all your tree-related questions, whether you’re asking about tree health or “Can you plant trees in the fall?” If you need help planting trees, contact us at (801) 608-6781. We’ll help you find trees to suit your property.