Fall is the best time to plant most trees and shrubs

It takes three years for a tree to establish and develop an adequate root system. It will need adequate irrigation until then. Good trees, when properly planted, will reward the planter and the next generation with luxuriant growth, shade and shelter.

Early fall is the best tree planting time of the year for most container-grown and balled and burlapped trees and shrubs.

In the fall, trees have high energy stores, the stress of the hot summer has passed, and there is no new leaf growth to support. Fall-planted trees and shrubs can then devote their efforts toward developing root systems, giving them a head start on next year’s growing season.

The soil is still warm in the fall and remains so for several weeks.

During this time, the trees and shrubs develop a clear advantage over similar ones planted in the spring. Several studies involving both trees and shrubs have confirmed the advantage of fall planting. This applies to most spring and summer blooming perennial plants as well.

There are some exceptions to fall planting recommendations.

Trees sold with bare roots should be planted in the late winter or early spring, before the surge of spring growth starts. Evergreen shrubs planted in the fall are at risk of dehydration, especially if exposed to wind.

Their leaves continue to lose water in the winter, and their ability to absorb water may be limited. If planted in the fall, they must be watered frequently, sheltered and have a thick layer of mulch.

Another important fall planting recommendation is for crepe myrtles. A leading crepe myrtle expert recommends they be planted June through early September, and not after October.

Cool soils prevent the development of water absorbing roots in these plants and they may dehydrate during the winter.

It is also recommended to plant azaleas and peonies in the fall for best results.

Although the selection of plants is more extensive in the spring, local nurseries will have good selections of trees and shrubs, often at a bargain, in the fall.

The time of year is important when planting, but how trees are planted is critical, as well. Most newly planted trees die due to planting errors.

The most common mistake is planting too deeply. Trees should be planted in a saucershaped hole three times the diameter of the root ball and no deeper than the height of the root ball.

In soils high in clay, plant the top of the root ball two to four inches above grade and lightly mulch to help with drainage.

Although it is tempting, and often incorrectly recommended, do not add amendments to the soil used for backfill when planting trees. They will do much better in the native soil in the long run.

If the plant is on a slope or a windy site, you may choose to stake. A tree should be staked for only one growing season or it will not a develop proper root structure. Finally, add three to four inches of mulch, which will promote tree growth and help with weather conditions.

Remember, it takes three years for a tree to establish and develop an adequate root system. It will need adequate irrigation until then. Good trees, when properly planted, will reward the planter and the next generation with luxuriant growth, shade and shelter.

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service has several good facts sheets related to tree planting. Fact Sheet HLA 6414 “Planting Trees and Shrubs” is helpful. If you believe you need to stake your newly planted tree, fact sheet HLA 6415 “Training Young Shade and Ornamental Trees” covers this topic, and also explains basic pruning for young trees.

You can find these OSU fact sheets and many others at osufacts.okstate.edu or they can be picked up at the Oklahoma County OSU Cooperative Extension Center at 2500 NE 63.