KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – GOOD TIME TO PLANT TREES

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – GOOD TIME TO PLANT TREES

Fall is a great time to plant trees. The tree will have time to establish before the ground freezes and will have a good start when spring arrives. Many garden centers will discount trees in the fall in order to not have carry stock over the winter.

First check the trees appearance. Look to see if the trunk has a straight strong well defined leader. The "leader" is the very top of the trunk. Trees with multiple leaders that cross rub or are crowded together haven’t been properly pruned at the nursery. Stay away from them.

Next look for a good root flare. The flare is the spreading base of the trunk that connects with the roots. If you don’t see a root flare the tree was probably planted too deeply. Avoid these.

The root system should be big enough to support the tree. For every inch of trunk diameter there should be 12-16 inches of root ball. The trunk should not wobble freely of the soil ball.

Check the roots. Roots should be white pink or light tan. Roots that are black or dark brown are damaged or already dead. The roots should not tightly circle the ball these can choke the tree and not spread out for healthy growth.

Look at the trunk for blemishes or wounds. Trunks with wounds have been improperly handled. Make sure nursery stakes have not scarred the tree or its’ branches.

Of course look for insect or disease damage. Speckled foliage may indicate pests that suck plant juices such as spider mites or aphids. Holes in the trunk are signs of borer damage.

Plant according to directions provided with the tree. Most important are digging a big enough hole and water deeply and well till the ground freezes.

Our fall in the Chicago land area has been very dry. Make sure you water even established trees well before the ground freezes. Trees and shrubs planted within the last two years especially need a good watering before winter. Their root systems are not developed yet to make it through the winter if they need water.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO