When to Plant a Tree

Trees are much more of an undertaking than the other plants in your garden. Since a tree will grow tall and last for years to come, it’s important to be mindful during tree planting. This includes the time of when to plant the tree, its location, and how to properly care for it.

Time to Plant

The best time for tree planting will depend on your location, climate, and type of tree. Ideally, most trees should be planted during dormant seasons. Avoid tree planting in the winter, but try to plant before or after the growing seasons, such as right before spring or right after fall. This allows the tree to settle and establish roots before the warm weather stimulates growth. This gives the tree time to establish a foundation with its roots and become firmly planted.

Tree Planting in Spring

Garden centers and nurseries will get new plants and stock up during the spring to prepare for the upcoming warm months. Tree planting in spring gives the tree time to establish and grow roots. This is essential for the tree, because it will get the majority of its nutrients and moisture through the roots. If a tree has not established roots before the warm, growing season, it may not have enough access to nutrients to support the rest of itself. Depending on the weather where you live, if it gets too warm too quickly, the tree might not be able to support itself with an inefficient root system.

Tree Planting in Fall

While there is more room for error when tree planting in the fall, certain trees, such as evergreens, are better suited to survive the winter months. If you happen to be in a climate with warm temperatures most of the year, you won’t have to worry as much about the timing of your tree planting. It’s not impossible to plant a tree in the fall, but there are greater risks associated with that timeframe. As mentioned before, it’s important to allow the tree to grow and establish its foundation of roots before the winter months come.

Transplanting a Tree

If you are moving a small tree or sapling from one location to another, be aware of transplant shock. This is when the tree’s growth is slowed after it’s been dug out of its spot, potentially losing some roots. Container trees from nurseries can also experience transplant shock. Make sure you properly prepare the location for your tree transplant to reduce the amount of shock it may experience. Ask for assistance from a tree specialist if you are unsure of anything.

Tree Planting

When finding a location for your tree planting, it’s important to be aware of surrounding plants, structures, and possible utility lines. Remember that trees can grow to be quite large, so try to find a place where the tree still won’t be in the way after it grows. Also don’t forget that the tree’s roots will grow and can stretch pretty far beneath the ground, so try to keep in mind where pipes and other underground utility lines might be. A tree’s roots grow over time, so it might not be for months, or even years, until the roots begin affecting underground utility lines.

Live The Ranger Creed Tree Specialists

LTRC Tree Specialists, based out of Alpharetta, GA, has qualified and experienced tree specialists that can help you with any tree or gardening issue you might have. Our experts have various experiences in tree planting and can help set your yard and property up for the summer or winter! Visit our website or call (404) 288-5872 today!