10/05/2026
As autumn progresses, our garden team is planting more trees! Read on to learn how to increase the success of your fall tree plantings!
Plant in the Right Season: For many species, fall is an excellent time to plant, as the cooler temperatures reduce water loss and transplant stress. Some trees, however, have a higher degree of success when they are planted in the spring. For example, broad-leafed evergreens planted in fall may incur significant winter damage before they are able to establish.
Choose Smaller Trees: Although it's tempting to select the biggest trees available for instant gratification, specimens with a trunk diameter of 2 inches or less have higher establishment rates and can match the growth rate of larger, more stressed counterparts.
Select Container-grown Trees: When trees grown in-ground are dug up for sale, portions of the root system are severed, and this stresses the plant. Plants that have been grown in containers from the start have a complete root system and will fare better. For in-ground trees, the bare root method preserves more root compared to the popular balled-and-burlapped (B&B) method.
Provide Post-planting Care: Supplemental watering, keeping the area clear of weeds, and preventing damage to the bark are some of the ways that gardeners can help trees adjust to their new home.
Photos: Mrs. Copeland inspects newly-planted trees, 1946
