Autumn chores in the garden should include planting some trees! A Garden Review for you!
Now don't get your knickers all in a knot! Some people think that fall is the time to stop gardening, clean out the flower beds and put everything to sleep for the winter months that are fast approaching. I'm here to tell you that you are wrong, so wrong! Those are some of the jobs that will need doing, but right now think about trees!
Autumn is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. There are several reasons that you should be doing some tree planting at this time. Trees are the lungs of the earth and healthy air around your home is a must!
In the fall the ground has been nicely warmed up. Summer heat gets right down to the deeper parts of the ground. The soil is warm and generally moist. When you dig a hole for a new tree you will see for yourself that the soil is nice and warm . When you plant a tree in that warm soil, the roots that have been bound up in a root ball, will nicely ease their way into that warmth. You can wait till spring, but have to wait until the soil is frost free for best results. Late April or early May are target times for spring planting. In the fall you can plant right up till the first signs of snow. The ground will keep it's warmth even with a snow cover. The snow, believe it or not, is a great insulator.
In the fall, trees naturally go into a state of dormancy. The saps run down into the roots and the leaves fall. The energy of the trees are already in the lower parts of the trees. So placing them into warm soil will make them very happy. Autumn rains will also help get those roots to stretch out and grab hold. But proper planting techniques are still a good rule to follow.
Before you start to think about planting a tree, make sure you know what kind of tree you want in your space. If you have a large area, then plant whatever you like, but, if you live in an urban area, you may have to think about this a little more. Do you want a lot of shade in your yard? Are you looking to mask the sounds of traffic, or are you wanting some fruit for your efforts. All these questions should be asked and answered before you buy and plant anything.
Some trees have deep roots, some have shallow ones! Planting a tree close to foundation walls is never a good idea. Nor is planting a tree that gets very deep expansive roots. Some research is necessary if you want to have a good result.
Trees have different shapes and natural heights that they will grow to. Depending on what you want from the tree, you will have to make some educated choices. I like this link from Arborday.org, for some really good information, so that once you decide to plant the trees, you will have made the right decisions.
Trees are a wonderful addition to any landscape and will give you years of beauty. The birds, bees, and small critters will thank you and grace you with their presence. Mother Nature will appreciate your help in keeping the air fresh and clean as well.
Put this book on your shelf, so that you will have easy access to some of the best information and suggestions for picking, planting and maintaining your trees as they mature.
It is wonderful to be able to reach the information you need in the garden when you are busy with the task at hand.
Happy tree planting and here's to your healthy! I hope you enjoy your happy gardening space.
Thank you for the reminder that Autumn is the best time to plant trees! I have a few starter trees that need to be transplanted from their pots this year. Fall has definitely sneaked up on me this year.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, if you have starter trees, now is a great time to get them in the ground. Just follow the instructions on the link within the review. I looked at them and they are bang on. You will have success I'm sure.
DeleteEspecially good advice about trees as we are easing into Fall. My son will move into a new home the end of this month and one plan is to plant a tree in the back yard. I will give him this article so he will know that this time of year is actually the right time of year to plant that tree.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son on his new home! What a wonderful way to make a lasting memory, by planting a tree. In years to come it will become a focal point in their garden. Trees make a great house warming gift too!
DeleteVery good article, thank you for sharing. We plan to plant some trees at our new house soon! Best, Gregory
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that Gregory. Trees do so much for us in terms of beauty and health, that they are worth their weight in gold. Clean air and shade, a place for birds and little critters and they also act as sound barriers too. What more could you want? Happy tree planting!
DeleteLooks like a good book to have on hand Olivia, I do love to keep up on tips like these for the yard. Although I don't have room for anymore trees, I always enjoy learning more.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have lots of trees already. That's great and good for you and your family. I love the internet, but having a book on hand makes it so much easier and quicker to find what you need when you are out in the garden. I never bring my laptop outdoors when I'm working out there, so hard copy is the answer for me.
ReplyDelete