Trees add beauty and value to any property. They also help with air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect in cities. However, getting the right tree in the right place isn’t always easy. In fact, planting a tree is one of the most difficult things a property owner can attempt on their own. That’s why most people hire an arborist or another type of specialist to handle the job for them. With that said, when is the best time of year to plant trees? There are pros and cons to planting at different times of year. It all depends on where you live, how much sunlight your tree will receive, how much rainfall you get, what kind of soil you have, and so on. Let’s take a look at some common tips for when you should plant trees in your area.
Spring is the best time to plant trees.
You’ll get a jump on the growing season, and your tree will get a head start on root growth. That way, your tree will be established and growing strong before the hot summer temperatures hit. Many trees like maples, oaks, and fruit trees like apples and cherries prefer the cooler temperatures of springtime. If you plant too early, you run the risk of your tree dying. This can happen if the weather suddenly turns hot and your tree isn’t prepared for it. If this happens, your tree will dry out and die. You can avoid this by planting in the spring and mulching your tree with compost or other organic matter.
Fall is the best time to plant trees.
Fall is the best time to plant deciduous trees. Deciduous trees are the trees that lose their leaves once a year. Examples include oaks, maples, and elms. These trees thrive during the fall because they’ve already been growing for a few months and they’re ready to go dormant for the winter. You’ll want to plant deciduous trees in the fall so they have time to grow roots before the ground freezes. If you plant them in the winter, chances are very high that they’ll die. You’ll also need to consider the fact that you’ll be digging in frozen ground. That’s not easy, and it’s definitely not fun.
Summer is the best time to plant trees.
If you want to plant in the summer, that’s perfectly fine. You just need to select the right type of tree for your climate. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you might want to choose a tree that prefers the shade. Examples of these types of trees include fruit trees, dogwoods, redbuds, magnolias, and pecans. If you live in a wet climate, you may want to choose a tree that prefers the sun. Examples include sugar maples and oaks. When you plant in the summer, you can get your tree in the ground sooner. This allows your tree to start growing roots as soon as possible. By doing this, you increase the likelihood that your tree will live.
Winter is the best time to plant trees.
If you want to plant in the winter, you’ll need to do it on purpose, and you’ll need to do it carefully. That’s because you’re planting in the coldest part of the year. Your best bet is to plant in the early winter before the ground freezes. That way, you can easily plant your tree and keep it protected in a container until the ground thaws. If you decide to plant in the winter, you should choose a tree that prefers the cold. Examples include dogwoods, hollies, redbuds, and viburnums. You should also keep the tree protected in a container until the ground thaws.
Summary
There are pros and cons to planting at different times of year. It all depends on where you live, how much sunlight your tree will receive, how much rainfall you get, what kind of soil you have, and so on. If you want to plant in the summer or winter, you have to make sure you choose the right type of tree for your climate. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you might want to choose a tree that prefers the shade. And if you live in a wet climate, you may want to choose a tree that prefers the sun. When you plant in the fall, winter, or spring, you can get your tree in the ground sooner. This allows your tree to start growing roots as soon as possible. By doing this, you increase the likelihood that your tree will live.
