M THE DAILY INSIGHT
// general

When should you plant trees and shrubs?

By Matthew Sanders

When should you plant trees and shrubs?

You should wait until the heat of summer has passed to plant any other trees or shrubs. Fall: September through December is the right time to plant in hotter climates of the South and West—without the heat of summer and before the colder weather sets in. Roots grow best when the soil temperature is at least 40 degrees.

When should I buy shrubs?

If you want to spruce up your yard on the cheap, the best time to buy plants is in September and after. Home improvement stores and nurseries are eager to clear out all remaining summer plants (trees, shrubs, bulbs, and perennials) to make room for incoming fall plants and holiday merchandise.

Is it better to plant a tree in the spring or fall?

Planting in the fall gives trees an extra growing season before the stress of summer. The combination of cooler temperatures and fall rain allows trees to establish their roots, making it easier on them to adjust to extreme heat or drought in the summer. Many people fear that young trees can’t withstand the winter.

What is the best fertilizer for trees and shrubs?

A complete fertilizer, such as 16-4-8, 12-6-6 or 12-4-8, is generally recommended, unless the soil test reveals that phosphorus and potassium are adequate. Two kinds of fertilizers are available: fast-release and slow-release.

What is the best time to plant evergreen shrubs?

spring
The absolute best time to plant an evergreen conifer is very early spring when the soil has thawed and the frost is out. Evergreens will enjoy getting established in cool weather with lots of spring rain. Planting evergreens can continue late into spring as long as you make sure they get plenty of water.

When is the best time to plant trees and shrubs?

During the coldest months of the year it is generally the easiest time to dig the ground. Trees and shrubs planted in the colder months of the year are dormant (asleep) and so will require minimal maintenance (e.g minimal watering / pruning – unless of course we have a sudden winter heatwave!)

When is the best time of the year to trim a tree?

Prune evergreen shrubs, such as juniper and yew, in late March or early April before new growth begins. Light pruning may also be done in mid-summer. Avoid pruning evergreen shrubs in the fall. Fall pruned evergreens are more susceptible to winter injury.

When to prune flowering shrubs in the spring?

Pruning immediately after flowering allows gardeners to enjoy the spring flower display and provides adequate time for the shrubs to initiate new flower buds for next season. Summer-flowering shrubs, such as potentilla and Japanese spirea, bloom in summer on the current year’s growth. Prune summer-flowering shrubs in late winter or early spring.

When is the best time to prune lilac trees?

Spring-flowering shrubs, such as lilac and forsythia, bloom in spring on the growth of the previous season. The plant’s health or condition determines the best time to prune spring-flowering shrubs.

When is the best time of year to plant trees?

In general, the best time for planting trees is late winter or early spring. In temperate areas, this period is typically followed by a period of moderate weather during which the new transplant will have time to become established. If that does not fit your schedule, then aim for autumn. When to Plant Trees

When is the best time of the year to prune shrubs?

Neglected, overgrown spring-flowering shrubs often require extensive pruning to rejuvenate or renew the plants. The best time to rejuvenate large, overgrown shrubs is late winter or early spring (March or early April).

When is the best time to trim evergreen trees?

Prune evergreen shrubs, such as juniper and yew, in late March or early April before new growth begins. Light pruning may also be done in mid-summer. Avoid pruning evergreen shrubs in the fall.

Is it possible to plant trees in the winter?

Weather also restricts your options in the winter (at least in the north), because the cold causes the ground to freeze. If you have had the foresight to do all of your digging ahead of time in fall (before the ground freezes), it is not impossible to plant trees in winter.