You’ve made it through the worst of summer’s heat. Kids are back in school, people start planning for the fall holidays, and the last few mornings were cool enough that you enjoyed the warmth of your coffee just a bit more.
It’s September, a time for changing seasons, putting up the fall decor, and planting trees! That’s right, September is an ideal month for planting new trees.
In this article, we will cover why September is a good month for planting trees and give you a few tips on how to get your trees started.
Five reasons to plant in September
1: Warm soil
Fall does not officially arrive until September 22, so there’s still quite a bit of summer warmth in the soil. Warmer soil promotes root growth, helping your new tree’s roots get firmly established before the cold of winter arrives.
2: Fall rain
Newly planted trees need extra water to help them get established. The frequent fall rains will help your tree stay hydrated and spread its root system quickly.
3: Cool air
During the spring and summer, your deciduous trees produce leaves to generate energy through photosynthesis (taking sunlight and converting it into energy). The leaves produce more energy than they use, but when the shorter days of fall arrive and less sunlight is available, the leaves become an energy drain on the tree, and the tree begins to drop them.
The cooler fall temps mean less stress on your tree, and fewer leaves, which will enable your newly planted tree to expend more energy on establishing its root system.
4: Less competition
Spring and summer are the intense growing seasons for many plants, including those pesky weeds and other competing plants that try to choke out your garden and landscaping. Many of those plants have already died or gone dormant by September, leaving the growing space and soil nutrients available for your tree.
5: Extra growing season
Trees planted in September get a few extra months of growing season to become established before they face the harsh elements of drought and heat in summer. The overall strength of your tree can be vastly different if it gets the advantage of this extra growing time.
Three ways to help your tree succeed
1. Dig a proper hole
Trees that are newly planted are usually begun at a nursery, and then pulled up and transplanted in your yard. During the digging-up process, a tree can lose the majority of its root system. You want to make sure the hole you dig for your tree is deep enough to support it, but also close enough to the surface that your tree can spread its new roots and easily access the water, nutrients, and heat that are closer to the surface of the soil.
2. Mulch
Newly planted trees are vulnerable to pests and disease, and their roots are still fragile. Placing mulch around the base of your tree is a great way to help the roots stay warm, maintain moisture in the soil, and keep pests from nibbling on your tree.
3. Water
All trees need water, but new trees often need extra water to help them quickly re-establish their root system and grow strong. Research how much water your tree will need based on its type, age, and your growing zone, and create a watering schedule. Consult a certified arborist if you want expert advice.
September brings the ideal conditions of “not too hot” and “not too cold” but just right. Good rain, less crowded growing spaces, and extra growing time make it the ideal month for planting new trees.
Looking for expert advice for planting your trees? We can help. Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!