The Best Time to Plant Trees
Tree planting season generally occurs in fall or early spring, according to Lisa Tadewaldt, an ISA-certified arborist and co-founder of the Portland, Oregon-based tree care company Urban Forest Pro. "If your winter weather is below freezing for long periods, then early spring is the best time of year to plant," she says.
For those with winters that are less harsh, the good news is that Tadewaldt says you have a little more flexibility when it comes to timing. "If you have little to no freezing weather, you can plant any time but summer," says Tadewaldt.
When it comes to knowing exactly when the timing is right come spring, Lambe says it’s all about your soil’s temperature. According to Lambe, you want to wait to plant until your soil is consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit to guarantee the best chance at survival.
Advantages of Fall Planting
Choosing between spring and fall may come down to where you live, but planting in fall has several advantages. The cooler, rainier weather allows tree roots to establish more easily—the high heat of summer can cause unnecessary stress on young tree roots, alongside other issues like drought. During cooler months, the soil is also less likely to have moisture evaporation than it would in the summertime. Planting in the fall also allows the tree to get acclimated and stabilized before also growing leaves (in the case of deciduous trees), allowing all its energy to go towards just establishing its root system.
Discovering the Best Trees for Your Region
Changes in hardiness zones make it harder for experts to make blanket suggestions about when (and what) to plant in your area. "Hardiness zones are meant to be a guide, not a rulebook," says Lambe, who says that well-established trees that fall outside your area’s USDA hardiness zonemay still thrive with suitable care and protection. But, that doesn’t mean you should continue to plant them if your zone has recently changed.
"Ultimately, shifts in hardiness zones add to the range of trees that will survive in your area in the future," says Lambe. So, while you may have varieties of trees in your area that now fall outside of your hardiness zone, that doesn’t mean you can add new saplings and expect them to produce the same results.
Another thing to keep in mind is that tree species selection varies greatly by where you live. "What might be considered native in one area, might be invasive in another," Lambe says. "When you look at recommendations, make sure they reflect your local area, not just your region. If you need help determining which trees will find success in your area, you can use the Tree Wizard tool at arborday.org to help you identify your hardiness zone, soil type, and sun exposure." From there, he says you’ll be able to filter your results by tree type, height, and more to find the ideal trees to plant in your yard.
By Brass..
コメント