Fall, early winter are the best times to plant shrubs and trees

 

By Keith Mickler

County Coordinator and agriculture agent

for The University of Georgia/Floyd County Cooperative Extension.

 

Right now is a great time to plant shrubs and trees. Because the air temperature is cooling, plants planted during this time of the year will not produce much too or any top growth. This is an advantage because the energy for growth is going into producing a root system. As temperatures warm in spring, plants established during the fall already have additional roots to support the new spring growth and thus an advantage over spring time plantings.

 

Trees and shrubs grown in containers can be planted any time. But when planted in spring or summer, they often have to struggle to absorb the water and nutrients their growing tops need. As new roots begin to grow out of the container shape, they send much of the nutrients and water that they absorb upwards to be used for growth of shoots, leaves and flowers. Little is left to grow more roots.

 

As the top gets too big for its roots, the almost inevitable spell of hot, dry weather brings on the real test. During this time, the plant may begin dropping foliage and deserting some branches in an attempt to survive.

 

If you plant now through December, with average weather, the plant has a much better chance. The key is that the roots don't go dormant. They continue to grow and develop throughout the winter. And because the top is dormant for the winter (tops of even evergreen plants go dormant) there is little demand on the roots.

 

Fall-planted ornamentals normally have a supply of carbohydrates and other food substances stored in their roots from the past growing season. So, with little demand from the tops, the roots are able to grow and become well established before next spring. And, during the colder weather of winter, the roots are better protected in the ground as compared to being above ground in a container.

 

Fall planted shrubs and trees typically do not need to be fertilized or pruned. These two practices can cause new top growth. You don't want to encourage foliage growth, but root growth, during the fall and winter.

 

Make sure to not plant trees and shrubs to deeply, this is the number one most common reason for stunted and/or dying plants. The publication "Soil Preparation and Planting Procedures for Ornamentals in the Landscape" and "Plant Trees Right" go into more detail on correct planting techniques and are available online or from your University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office in Floyd County.

http://www.caes.uga.edu/applications/publications/files/pdf/B%20932_2.PDF

http://warnell.forestry.uga.edu/warnell/service/library/b1047/b1047.pdf

 

Don't forget to water as needed through fall and winter. Plants can be much more forgiving if you're a day late watering them during the fall and winter months. The real test comes next summer.

 

Keith Mickler is the County Coordinator and agriculture agent for The University of Georgia/Floyd County Cooperative Extension. Located at 12 East 4^th Ave, Rome, GA 30161 (706) 295-6210. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension - Learning for Life. Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth.  An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. To obtain extension publications please visit our web site www.ugaextension.com or contact your county Cooperative Extension office.