9/4/2020
Horticulture News
By: Scott Eckert, Harvey County Extension Agent, Horticulture
If you are in the market for a tree, the extension office has a list to trees that have shown to perform well in this area. See our website, or visit our office for that publication. So with that being said, it is time to plant trees!
I have never lost a tree that I’ve planted in the fall. I can’t say that about any other time of year. Simply put, fall is an excellent time to plant trees. During the spring, soils are cold and may be so wet that low oxygen levels inhibit root growth. The warm and moist soils normally associated with fall encourage root growth. Fall root growth means the tree becomes established months before a spring-planted tree and is better able to withstand summer stresses. The best time to plant trees in the fall is early September to late October. This is early enough that roots can become established before the ground freezes. Unfortunately, certain trees do not produce significant root growth during the fall and are better planted in the spring. These include beech, birch, redbud, magnolia, tulip poplar, willow oak, scarlet oak, black oak, willows, and dogwood.
Fall-planted trees require some special care. Remember that roots are actively growing even though the top is dormant. Make sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. This may require watering not only in the fall but also during the winter months if we experience warm spells that dry the soil. Mulch also is helpful because it minimizes moisture loss and slows the cooling of the soil so root growth continues as long as possible.
K-State Research and Extension, Harvey County, PO Box 583, Newton, KS. 67114
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