Why fall?
Well, the truth is you can plant trees anytime of year (assuming the ground isn't frozen, of course). But fall is the most ideal time to plant for a number of reasons:
The next questions are what to plant, how much room to give them, and finally how to plant and care for them.
- Tree can focus on root development instead of supporting leaf growth.
- Temperatures are typically moderate so there is less chance for the trees to be stressed by extreme heat.
- Frequent rains helps trees establish their root systems.
- When the air temps are cooler than soil temps, new root growth is encouraged without new top growth, resulting in stronger root system before spring.
The next questions are what to plant, how much room to give them, and finally how to plant and care for them.
What to plant?
So you've decided to plant a tree. But what species to choose? When planning tree planting projects, the guiding principles for tree species and site selection should include the following concepts:
- Right Tree, Right Place. This concept ensures what you're planting has room to grow (see next section below) and will last long term.
- Species Diversity. Diversity is important for many reasons, most important of which is to lessen the devastation from yet another foreign pest decimating a species (chestnut, elm, ash, etc.). Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
- Maximizing the Ecosystem Services. Consider planting with a purpose. Working to improve air quality in a neighborhood? Want to absorb the most stormwater possible? Certain species do more than others. Here are some great species selection resources:
- Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Guide provides extensive information on many tree species.
- The iTree suite of tools has a species selector tool that walks you through a series of questions on area and goals to deliver a list of recommended species.
- The Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) out of the UK has a Species Selection for Green Infrastructure guide that provides extensive information together with a decision-making tool to enable appropriate tree species selection for a wide range of urban planting sites.
- The University of Florida Extension has a good resource on species selection that is useful even for those outside of the state.
How much room do they need?
Make sure your tree(s) has enough space to grow to it's mature size (where it can really provide you the maximum benefits). Trees need room to grow in relation to each other and above ground and below. Room above ground can be restricted by buildings and utility lines. Trees also need room to grow below ground. Adequate soil space is critical for the long term vitality of a tree. Tree soil should have a minimum depth of 3 feet, but ultimately soil volume for the mature size of the tree is the critical factor to consider.
- Small trees (30' or less at maturity) should be spaced at least 10' apart and at least 8-10' from a building foundation. In general, these trees are ok to be placed under utility wires, as their mature height will not interfere with power lines. This size tree needs around 300 cubic feet of soil volume.
- Medium trees (30-70') should be spaced around 30-40' apart and be placed at least 12'-15' from a building foundation. This tree group should not be planted directly under utility wires. Required soil volume is approximately 600 cubic feet for medium trees for long term growth.
- Large trees (70' or more) should ideally be spaced 40-50' apart and no less than 20' from a building foundation. In addition, these trees should be planted well beyond utility wires. Required soil volume is approximately 1,000 cubic feet to ensure long term success.
How to plant?
One of the questions that many ask is how to properly plant a tree. That depends on what form your tree is in when you purchase it. The National Arbor Day Foundation provides simple instructions AND videos on how to plant each of these types of trees you might get from a nursery.
How to care for your new tree.
New trees need care for the first THREE years after they are installed.
Watering new trees is an important establishment task. Here are some helpful resources to learn when and how much to water your new tree. The Arbor Day Foundation has a great page on how to properly water new trees. A California ReLeaf member, the Vacaville Tree Foundation, also has a good summary on how to water new trees.
Annual mulching in a ring around the base of the tree ensures moisture stays in the soil, weeds are kept to a minimum, and reduces the risk of mowers and string trimmers damaging the trunk. NOTE: Do NOT allow "volcano mulching" that piles mulch up against the trunk!
After 3 years, it is recommended to perform structural pruning to ensure the tree has a good form for future stability and to minimize future storm damage. Casey Trees, another non-profit doing good work in Washington DC, has a series of videos on young tree pruning. Check out their page on YouTube for some great directions to complete this important task.
Watering new trees is an important establishment task. Here are some helpful resources to learn when and how much to water your new tree. The Arbor Day Foundation has a great page on how to properly water new trees. A California ReLeaf member, the Vacaville Tree Foundation, also has a good summary on how to water new trees.
Annual mulching in a ring around the base of the tree ensures moisture stays in the soil, weeds are kept to a minimum, and reduces the risk of mowers and string trimmers damaging the trunk. NOTE: Do NOT allow "volcano mulching" that piles mulch up against the trunk!
After 3 years, it is recommended to perform structural pruning to ensure the tree has a good form for future stability and to minimize future storm damage. Casey Trees, another non-profit doing good work in Washington DC, has a series of videos on young tree pruning. Check out their page on YouTube for some great directions to complete this important task.
Now get out there and plant a tree!
They say the best time to plant is 20 years ago. Second best time is today. So get out there and plant and have fun!
UCW has experience in both volunteer and municipal planting program development (and contractor management). If you would like to explore some of these programs for your community, contact us!
UCW has experience in both volunteer and municipal planting program development (and contractor management). If you would like to explore some of these programs for your community, contact us!