Fall & Winter Tree Planting Checklist
Fall/Winter Checklist
As the autumn approaches, be sure to take full advantage of the season. It is widely spoken that fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. Here are some a few things to consider, why, when and where to plant trees.
1st: Planting trees in the fall
- Planting trees in the fall is the best time of the year for plant growth, because of the cooler temperatures and most deciduous trees are dormant allowing less stress and damage to the tree.
2nd: Planting Deciduous Trees
- Many deciduous trees provide beautiful foliage, and if planted in the correct spot, they can help reduce your energy bill. Consider planting a deciduous tree like a Red Oak, Cedar Elm, Bur Oak, or Lacebark Elm on the northwest side of your home. This will cool your home in the summer and allow sunlight in to heat your home in the winter.
3rd: Planting trees along the North and South side
- If you are looking to plant a screen for vegetable gardens or protection from harsh winter winds, consider planting a row of trees, like Eastern Red Cedars, Magnolias, or other full to the ground growth type trees to protect from the cold northern winds.
- Planting tree rows along the south side of your property will provide a good wind break as they mature.
4th: Do not plant large stature shade trees close to foundation.
- Most large stature trees, like Red Oaks, Live Oaks, Magnolias, Cedar Elms, and Bald Cypress, need room to grow. Their roots grow outward to stabilize them as they mature. They require water and can reduce moisture near the foundation. It is important to not plant a tree within 25-ft of a foundation. These large tree species can have roots that grow out 3-5 times the width of their canopy.
5th: Do not plant large shade trees beneath utility lines.
- Selecting the right tree for the right location is very important. Never plant a large stature tree beneath a power line, or within a 25-35 ft of an overhead wire. As these trees mature, they will grow into the utility lines and require invasive pruning. According to International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the correct way landscape under utility lines is to plant large shrubs or smaller canopy trees that would not exceed the height under the lines.
6th: Never forget to water during the Fall and Winter months
- It is a common misconception that there is no need for watering in the Fall/Winter months. However, trees require water always throughout the year; we recommend to water as needed to keep the soil moisture at an adequate level during the colder months.
- To adequately prepare for freezing temperatures in the Fall and Winter, make sure to water the trees an adequate amount the day/night before a freeze to maintain the soil temperature and decrease the chance of plant decline.
If you have any questions about your trees, feel free to contact the professionals at Fannin Tree Farm. Our number is 972-747-9233, and we have a team of arborist ready to serve.
Author Bio: Bradley Boobar has been in the plant science industry since 2011. He is originally from Mount Pleasant, TX. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Plant Science from Texas A&M University – Commerce and plans to continue his graduate education in the future.
