Everyone loves the vibrant palette of autumn. This time of year isn’t just a feast for the eyes, though — it’s also a prime moment for adding new trees to your landscape.
As the go-to tree service in West Chester, PA, our team at Rick’s PHC Certified Arborists knows that fall tree planting can give your saplings a head start. Do you want to know why? Stick around as we break down the nitty-gritty details, from the science behind the process to the practical tips for your gardening endeavors.
Fall Is a Sapling’s Best Friend
If you envision a lush, verdant oasis gracing your landscape, don’t purchase your saplings just yet! Wait for autumn and reap the bountiful rewards.
Ideal Soil Conditions
During autumn, soil conditions are just about perfect. The ground, still warm from the summer heat, coupled with the cool autumn air, creates an ideal environment for root growth.
You see, unlike the above-ground parts of a tree (which snooze during winter), roots continue to grow. This gives your newly planted trees extra time to develop an established root system before spring rolls around.
Moisture Retention
With the scorching summer sun out of the picture, the cooler autumn temperatures reduce the rate of water evaporation. What’s more, fall typically brings more rainfall. Both of these factors mean your new trees will require less manual watering, taking a bit of the workload off your shoulders.
Natural Mulching
Nature pitches in to help with your fall tree planting. As leaves tumble from nearby trees and shrubs, they create a natural mulch that locks in soil moisture and provides vital nutrients as they decompose. Talk about an effortless two-birds-with-one-stone situation!
Timing Is Everything
Start by observing nearby trees. If they still sport their glorious red and gold foliage, that’s your cue to grab your gardening gloves. Bare branches may indicate that it’s too late in the season for planting.
You might also want to invest in a soil thermometer. This handy tool will tell you when the ground has cooled down enough for optimal planting. Aim for temperatures consistently above 45°F.
Is the ground already frozen? You should wait for a warmer time to plant trees. The ice and persistent winter winds might spell trouble for your fledgling specimens.
Planting Advice To Heed
Give your new additions the best shot at survival with these tried-and-true planting tips from our seasoned arborists:
- Consider identifying specimens endemic to your area and choosing those for their proven adaptability and resistance to local pests and diseases.
- When planting, ensure the root ball of the tree lies level or slightly above the ground surface.
- Don’t forget to give your trees a good soaking.
Seek Help From Certified Arborists
From finding the best trees to plant in your yard to jumpstarting your fall tree planting project, our crew at Rick’s PHC Certified Arborists can make the process a breeze. Call 610-840-2655 today! We’re ready to help.
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