Why You Should Plant in the Fall
You may
think that spring is the best time to plant, but I've got great news for
you: fall is a good time to plant, too. In fact, fall can be the best
time for planting many trees and shrubs because of the special
conditions that exist in the autumn.
This is a great opportunity
to extend your landscape planning, giving you the ability to spread out
your planting season through spring, summer and fall.
Fall
planting is highly recommended because as the top of the plant begins to
go dormant, the root system continues to grow. Leaf function slows and
stops as days grow shorter, even in evergreens. The plant's roots,
however, can now "concentrate" on growing, rather that supporting the
moisture and other needs of the top part of the plant.
When you
plant in the fall, the ground temperature is warm, usually around 55
degree. Spring soil temperatures can be much cooler. Autumns in Ohio are
typically characterized by regular rainfall as well, giving the plant
ample opportunity to establish itself prior to the onset of deepest
winter. Root development is definitely enhanced by the plant's
opportunity to start establishing itself without the added pressure of
supporting leaf growth.
If you've been thinking about adding some trees to your landscape, now is the best time to do it.
