Why Plant in Fall?

Fall Planting

We recently came across an article that has some great information. This article by Stacey Hirvela is a great read.You may have heard that fall is a great time for planting shrubs and perennials. This article explains why fall planting is a great idea.Many folks are surprised to learn that autumn runs a close second to spring as an ideal planting time, but it’s true: cool temperatures, reliable rainfall, and short, bright days help plants make a quick and easy transition to your landscape. The entire first half of autumn provides ample opportunity for plants to grow roots and get off to a good start in their new home, though there are a few things you should know to ensure success with fall planting:

Tips for Successful Fall Planting

- You can plant up to 6 weeks before your ground freezes. Once the ground is frozen, root growth will cease almost entirely until spring. That six week window gives the plant time to get established enough to withstand cold and snow. The date that your ground actually freezes varies from year to year mid-November is a safe planting deadline for nearly everyone.-If you still have plants in their nursery pots, get them in the ground before winter, no matter how late it has gotten. The plants will be much happier and better protected in the ground than in their thin plastic pots. So even if it’s getting quite late in the season, just plant them where you can. You can always move them come spring.- Mulch. Just as you pile on blankets and quilts when the temperatures dip, mulch acts as insulation for plants. Mulch also creates the ideal environment for vigorous root growth, which helps new plantings get off to a good start. 

Things to Avoid

- Avoid planting evergreens in mid-late fall. Because they keep their foliage all winter, they are more susceptible to drying out when the soil is frozen and the winds are blowing. Having several months (rather than several weeks) to develop a sizeable root system better prepares them to face these challenges. This is especially important for broadleaf evergreens like holly, rhododendron, and boxwood, as their large leaves are far more likely to get windburned and drought-stressed than conifers with needle or scale-like foliage.- Avoid planting varieties that typically get winter damage in your climate. Certain plants get a bit of winter damage every year, no matter what – butterfly bush, caryopteris, and big-leaf hydrangea are some common examples. To start planning your fall landscape planting project Contact Us for a consultation. To view the original article written you may visit Proven Winners.