Get Ready for Fall Planting

Choose Smaller Trees and Plants for Easier TransplantingWhile you may be tempted to plant the largest tree in the nursery, you may be surprised to find that larger plants take a longer time to become established after being transplanted in comparison to smaller ones. The reason is that smaller plants are younger and don’t need as many roots to support their top growth. Once they’re planted, their roots will grow outward and top growth will soon follow. The same plant in a bigger size has a larger amount of top growth for its roots to support, and containers limit how much its roots can grow. Because of the plant’s age and large size, it can take a longer time for it become established in the landscape.This is a popular tip because it not only saves money but also makes digging holes easier.

Fill holes in your landscape with shrubs and trees. Fall is a great time to tackle those bigger-ticket-item planting projects, such as planting trees and shrubs. While it may be tempting to grab the largest tree or shrub at the nursery, younger plants often adapt faster to being planted out. They’re less root-bound, and they have quicker growth rates than plants that have been hanging out at the nursery too long. Once you’ve selected a tree or shrub to plant, dig a hole a little deeper than the rootball and three times as wide. Settle the new plant into the hole, backfill with soil and water it in, adjusting the plant height if any sinking occurs.Why, When and How to Plant a Tree | How to Buy Healthy Trees and Shrubs

Choose smaller trees and plants for easier transplanting. While you may be tempted to plant the largest tree in the nursery, you may be surprised to find that larger plants take a longer time to become established after being transplanted in comparison to smaller ones. The reason is that smaller plants are younger and don’t need as many roots to support their top growth. Once they’re planted, their roots will grow outward and top growth will soon follow. The same plant in a bigger size has a larger amount of top growth for its roots to support, and containers limit how much its roots can grow. Because of the plant’s age and large size, it can take a longer time for it become established in the landscape. This is a popular tip because it not only saves money but also makes digging holes easier.