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Autumn is a Prime Time for Planting

For Immediate Release
For Further Information Contact Sonia Garth:
(217) 355-9411 Ext 217

Autumn is a Prime Time for Planting

Champaign, IL-Since autumn is the time of year when colder weather brings a final splash of color to our trees before the dormancy of winter, many people do not realize that it is a prime time to plant new trees. After leaves have fallen and cooler weather has set in, conditions are perfect for stimulating root growth in new trees. Once roots are established through the fall and winter, spring showers and summer warmth encourage new top growth.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) shares these tips for planting new trees in the autumn months:

Tree Planting Tips

Fall is the optimum time to plant balled and burlapped trees and shrubs. This provides ample time for them to recover from transplanting and proliferate roots before spring growth begins. However, all bare root plants, should be planted later in the season when they are completely dormant.

  • For bare root trees, neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots. Soak the roots for a few hours prior to planting to allow them to absorb water.
  • Container-grown trees should have the plastic or metal containers removed completely.
  • Carefully cut through the circling roots. Remove the top half of pressed peat/paper containers.
  • Balled and Burlapped ("B&B"), trees should have all the ropes cut. Pull the burlap at least 1/3 of the way down; slit the remaining burlap to encourage root growth. If in a wire basket, cut away the top of the basket.
  • Remove all tags and labels.

Planting the Tree

  • Dig the planting hole shallow and broad. The width should be 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball, and the depth only as deep as the root ball.
  • Gently place the tree in the hole insuring it is perpendicular to the ground. Once you begin to backfill, it will be difficult to reposition the tree.
  • Partially backfill with the soil from the hole, using water to settle the soil. Finish backfilling the hole while gently but firmly packing the soil. Be sure that you leave the trunk flare (where the roots spread at the base of the tree) visible above the soil.
  • Soak the soil well, making sure no air pockets form between the roots. Wait until next year to fertilize.

If trees are planted in the fall, the root systems can then have the winter months to develop and become established. When spring arrives, this expanded root system will be better able to support the full surge of spring growth. For more information on trees and tree planting, visit www.treesaregood.org.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.
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"I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues." - Dr. Seuss

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© International Society of Arboriculture 2009
P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826
Email comments & questions to isa@isa-arbor.com