Fall is the perfect time to plant trees. You may think this is counter intuitive since the sun doesn’t shine as brightly and the ground becomes hard. Here are some thoughts concerning planting trees in the fall:
Temperature Is Cooler: Fall tends to bring cooler temperatures. In the fall we do not have to worry the extreme heat or potential for a drought like we do in the summer months. When temperatures remain high for extended periods of time and water becomes sparse, a newly planted tree may become stressed. Trees will not thrive and may even die when there isn’t enough natural waterfall. This is the reason summer is not the optimal time for planting.
Soil Is Warm: A tree planted in the fall will soak up energy and heat that the Earth has stored over the summer months. The warm soil combined with increased precipitation promote root development and growth necessary for survival. The root system will have time to absorb nutrients from the soil and evolve before facing the challenges of the summer months the following year. Growth will continue throughout the fall until the first hard freeze. The tree will cease new top growth and send its’ energy downward into the roots in preparation of winter. As a rule of thumb, most trees should be planted 5-7 weeks prior to the first freeze in your area.
Increased Precipitation: There is a greater opportunity for increased precipitation in the fall. Because the ground is still warm, it has the ability to absorb steady rainfall into the soil. The rain can readily be absorbed through the tree’s newly expanding root system.
Tree Development: Trees continue to absorb nutrients and store energy throughout the fall. The expanding roots system retains energy and prepares the tree for dormancy in winter. When the tree emerges from dormancy in early spring, it will have a stronger, better developed root system. The tree will be in good condition to collect water and other nutrients required to grow new leaves and branches. It will have a better chance to survive a heated summer.
