Autumn: The Best Time to Plant Trees

As the air becomes cooler and the leaves change to vibrant colors, homeowners often shift their focus to preparing their outdoor spaces for winter. Although spring is generally seen as the best season for planting, autumn is a highly recommended time to plant trees. Benson Enterprises wants to share the benefits of the fall season and to show you how using this time can result in healthier, more vigorous trees that will last for many years.

Advantages of Tree Planting in the Fall

Fall offers a great balance of conditions that are perfect for helping trees grow and thrive before winter sets in. This can range from the temperature of the soil to how much water the trees can get. Here are several of the primary benefits for the season:

Good Soil Conditions

While temperatures do decrease in the autumn time, the soil keeps warm for much longer and creates ideal conditions for a tree’s root system. The warm soil will continue to encourage root growth, while the cooler air up above will keep the tree from becoming stressed. Together, this allows the tree to put all its needed energy into its root system, making it much stronger. When you plant trees in the spring, the soil may not have enough warmth to build up the same amount of strength. The frost and the colder temperatures will instead prevent the roots from spreading properly.

Less Stress for the Trees

Trees use a large amount of energy to grow, and their survival depends greatly on that. Temperature drops in the fall are what encourage a tree to slow its growth process and invest more energy into the roots below. The spring season is a time of new growth, meaning that trees will use their energy to do several things outside of root growth, such as developing new leaves. This can be taxing on a new tree, which makes it difficult for it to grow properly as the summer season begins to set in. If a stronger root system develops in the fall, though, trees can withstand the winter and increase their survival rate significantly.

Extended Growing Season

Fall weather conditions offer the perfect head start for tree growth before winter. Once spring comes around, trees will already have a good foundation below the ground. This gives them more energy to spend on other parts of their development during the spring and onward, when plant growth is at its peak. Trees planted this way are much stronger, as they don’t need to catch up on growing like they need to when they’re planted in the spring.

How to Prepare for Fall Tree Planting

When you’re planning to add trees to your outdoor space, it’s important to prepare for it properly. Depending on where you may live, it’s essential to know what hardiness zone you are in, and how much sunlight or shade your outdoor space gets. The location and zone can determine when to plant in the fall, and what trees you can plant. These are a couple of factors to consider:

Picking Out the Right Trees

While fall offers an ideal time for trees to grow, the type of tree you pick may benefit more than others do. Generally, deciduous trees, like maple or oak trees, are the best options. Since they go dormant in the colder weather, this further encourages them to establish their roots. Evergreen trees, on the other hand, stay green year-round and can grow well in different seasons. They may be prone to winter desiccation, or drying out, in colder temperatures in the winter, though, so it’s best to check the region you’re in before planting.

Professional Site Preparation and Maintenance

The best way to successfully plant your tree in the autumn is to use a professional landscaping service. Experts will understand the best time in the fall to plant the right kinds of trees and be able to properly prepare the planting site to make sure the trees grow well. Our team at Benson Enterprises, for example, offers professional planting for your landscape and a selection of trees best suited for the Rochester area.

Long Term Benefits of Planting in Autumn

Fall planting extends well beyond the initial season in terms of benefits. As a result of planting at this time, your landscape has hardier trees that are better equipped to handle the seasons to come. Because of this, they enhance the look of your landscape, adding shade, enhancing the air quality, and improving your curb appeal.

Planting in the autumn time also provides some convenience. The cooler weather makes it easier for longer periods of landscaping work, and often nurseries will offer better deals on their trees when the colder seasons are approaching. Overall, it’s a beneficial season that provides long-lasting results.

Get Professional Fall Plantings with Benson

If you’re looking to add trees to your landscape, consider planning it for the autumn. With this optimal time, you can have stronger trees and a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy. For beautiful fall plantings and landscape designs, contact our team of experts at Benson Enterprises. We would love to get started on making your landscape exceptional.

Call Today For A Free Estimate (585) 248-0452

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