Yes, You Can Plant Trees in the Fall!
September 16, 2020
The days are getting shorter, and some mornings have a definite chill in the air. With fall closing in fast, many folks are winding down garden planting. We may think of spring as the traditional time to plant trees, but that's not necessarily true. In most of Maine, there are still PLENTY of growing days yet. Trees love the cooler weather in which to put down roots. In colder locations, fall planting can be risky.
The Maine Forest Service recommends early fall planting for most of Maine: When planting trees in the fall, the general rule is to plant them by Indigenous Peoples Day to give the roots time to establish before the ground freezes, and the cold weather shuts down growth. Tree roots need soil temperatures of at least 55 (at a 6-inch depth) and take approximately six weeks to get established. Just like planting trees at any other time of the year, be sure to mulch well (this helps to keep the soil warmer longer) and water well until the ground freezes. Dont prune your newly planted tree, or youll encourage top growth instead of where its needed at the roots.
Some trees do better than others when planted at the growing season's end. In general, plants with shallow, fibrous root systems do better with fall planting than those with a deep taproot. "Planting trees in early September provides enough time for root growth and establishment at the new site before soil temperatures drop and trees enter their dormancy period. This prepares trees for a head start on vigorous growth in the spring," says Maine Forest Service Forest Pathologist Aaron Bergdahl.
Whatever time you decide to plant trees in your yard, make sure you put the "right tree in the right place." Trees that grow 80-100 tall dont belong under power lines, and, likely, a weeping willow or river birch wont be happy in that hot, dry corner of your yard.
When choosing what type of tree to plant, look into whether the tree is likely to become a problem in natural areas in the future by consulting the advisory list from the Maine Natural Areas program. Be aware there are some species on the advisory list that are also illegal to import, export, buy, sell or intentionally propagate such as Norway and amur maple, tree-of-heaven and princesstree. The ban includes all cultivars, varieties and hybrids of these plants.
Be sure to research what will be needed to maintain the tree in the landscape. Some trees, such as true ashes (Fraxinus spp.), will require frequent insecticide treatments as emerald ash borer spreads. The Maine Forest Service cautions to avoid planting green, white and black/brown ashes. Several sites have excellent information that sums up some of these considerations for different species. If you dont find the information on the species you wish to plant, ask our experts.
Trees are an easy and inexpensive way to save energy, clean your air and water, increase your property value and improve your and your family's well-being. Properly planting the right tree in the right place can bring you decades of enjoyment.
Several tools exist to assist you in selecting the best tree for your landscape, try: