Why You Should Plant in the Fall

You may think that spring is the best time to plant, but I've got great news for you: fall is a good time to plant, too. In fact, fall can be the best time for planting many trees and shrubs because of the special conditions that exist in the autumn.

This is a great opportunity to extend your landscape planning, giving you the ability to spread out your planting season through spring, summer and fall.

Fall planting is highly recommended because as the top of the plant begins to go dormant, the root system continues to grow. Leaf function slows and stops as days grow shorter, even in evergreens. The plant's roots, however, can now "concentrate" on growing, rather that supporting the moisture and other needs of the top part of the plant.

When you plant in the fall, the ground temperature is warm, usually around 55 degree. Spring soil temperatures can be much cooler. Autumns in Ohio are typically characterized by regular rainfall as well, giving the plant ample opportunity to establish itself prior to the onset of deepest winter. Root development is definitely enhanced by the plant's opportunity to start establishing itself without the added pressure of supporting leaf growth.

As with planting at any time of the year, soil preparation is important. I firmly believe in enhancing the soil with fertilizer high in phosphate and potash. In fact, when I plant in the fall, I frequently use a super phosphate. These two nutrients move slowly through the soil, so I like to get them down into the lower root zone at planting time so they will be immediately available to the plant once the cut roots recover.

The fertilizer should be blended with the soil as well as some organic material such as peat or compost. Back fill as usual, leaving a "dish" (indentation) around the trunk of the plant to hold moisture. Water thoroughly and mulch well up to 4 inches deep in the fall, but not touching the trunk or stems. In spring, rake off excess to a depth of 2 inches for the summer.

The only exception to the fall planting rule would be dogwoods, redbud, magnolia, azalea or rhododendron. If you are planning to dig these plants and move them, I would wait until spring. They have a fleshier root that doesn't heal as fast in cooling soil after it's been cut. They seem to need a longer period of time to establish themselves before winter. Now if they're coming from a nursery in a container or balled and burlapped, I wouldn't hesitate to plant them, but be sure to mulch well. Also, if you're having anything planted by professional landscapers, take their advice and let them plant where and when they suggest, especially if these plants make up only a small percentage of the total planting. Landscapers take responsibility for the plants by virtue of their guarantee (as long as you water properly), and you should trust their judgement. I have planted just about everything at all times of the growing season and they did well 98 percent of the time.

If you've been thinking about adding some trees to your landscape, now is the best time to do it.