Can You Plant a Tree in the Fall?

Can you plant a tree in the fall? While spring usually gets all the garden glory, this season of beautifully colored leaves and sweater weather holds its own unique, untapped potential. 

As the go-to Ponte Vedra tree service company, our crew at Affordable Tree & Landscape knows the work involved in introducing new specimens to a landscape. Keep reading as we break down the details and help ensure your endeavor’s triumphant success.

Why Autumn Planting?

Planting in the fall brings many practical advantages that may surprise you.

Boosted Root Growth

During autumn, soil retains warmth while air temperatures cool, creating an ideal environment for root development. This window of opportunity allows your fledgling trees to form established root systems before the summer heat waves and dry periods kick in.

Consistent Hydration

Fall’s frequent rain showers make for a simpler, less labor-intensive watering schedule. The balmy temperatures and natural mulch from fallen leaves also help preserve ground moisture, further reducing the need for additional irrigation. This is great news for anyone who dreads heaving the garden hose around or frets about overwatering.

Another perk of saturated soil is how easy it is to dig in. You don’t have to break your back wrestling with the spade when planting trees in fall.

Fewer Dangers

As the growth of invasive weeds slows, your newly planted tree can claim its space without fierce competition. Plus, many pests and disease-causing organisms that cause havoc in the warmer months go dormant in the fall.

Choosing Your Specimen

Can you plant a tree in the fall? Absolutely. Beyond planting evergreen trees like pines and spruces, you can take your pick from this bountiful cornucopia of options:

• Catalpa 
• Maple 
• Buckeye 
• Sycamore
• Linden
• Horse chestnut 
• Alder
• Hackberry 
• Hawthorn 
• Ash 
• Elm
• Honey locust 
• Crabapple 
• Amur corktree

Keep in mind that some species, like boxwoods, hollies, rhododendrons, and azaleas, need more protection from the coming winter. Wrap them with burlap to prevent potential ice burn, and spray them with an anti-desiccant to keep them from drying out.

You can also visit your local nursery and ask which species work best in your area. 

Planting Tips From the Pros

Choosing a strategic location is paramount, as each tree has unique needs for sunlight, soil type, and space for growth. Dig a hole double the width of the root ball and equally deep. This approach ensures a cushy bed for the roots with ample room to spread out and anchor themselves. 

After planting, surround the base with a protective ring of mulch that doesn’t touch the trunk. It keeps the soil moist, stifles weed growth, and provides a gradual nutrient boost as it decomposes.

Consult a Local Arborist

Can you plant a tree in the fall on your own? Leave the heavy lifting to our specialists at Affordable Tree & Landscape while you sit back and dream about the lush shade your new specimen will soon provide. Dial 904-687-9856 today!

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