Fall is good time to plant trees, shrubs if soil is ready

By Barb Delisio

OSU Ext. master gardener volunteer

Fall is a good time to plant trees and shrubs. Naturally, it depends on what you’re planting and the condition of the tree or shrub you choose. As long as the soil is moist or you add water, your plant will get off to a fast start next spring. When watering newly planted trees and shrubs, ensure a deep, slow watering to provide water throughout the root zone.

Bare root plants (roots showing, not in soil) are the only ones to avoid planting in fall. These should be planted from February (as soon as the soil can be worked) through June. This gives the roots of the plants enough time to establish themselves in their new surroundings before winter arrives. Balled and burlapped broad-leafed evergreens such as rhododendrons and azaleas can be planted from mid-March to mid-October.

For fall planting, B&B deciduous trees and shrubs are the easiest to plant and have the least amount of problems. These plants were dug up with at least a gallon-size amount of soil around the roots. The ball of soil is wrapped in burlap and tied with cord. Because deciduous trees and shrubs lose their leaves in the fall, the roots are not stressed trying to keep the plant alive over the winter. The burlap keeps the roots covered with soil so they don’t dry out. When you plant these, remove the cording and cut back most of the burlap without affecting the root ball structure. Although now is a great time, you can plant these anytime from February through November as long as the soil is not frozen.

Others such as B&B narrow-leafed (needle) evergreens can be planted from February through October and survive. Plants like pines, spruce, hemlock, etc., are included in this group. Container plants (planted in plastic pots) can be planted anytime from early February through the end of November, ground permitting.

Plant your tree/shrub in well-drained soil. If the area is not well-drained and has a high percentage of clay in the soil, consider amending the soil now or making a raised area. This will help prepare the area for planting next year. Don’t waste your time planting if the soil conditions are not ready!

Digging the hole at least a foot wider than root ball or container is wide all around. The hole should be about the same depth as the height of the root ball. Do not plant any landscape plant deeper than in it was planted in its previous location. Soil for backfilling should be the same soil that came out of the hole.

Do not add any dry fertilizers or fresh manure to the backfill mix. These may cause root burn. Fill the hole three-quarters full with backfill. Then water to the top of the hole. This settles the soil and eliminates air pockets. Then, backfill till the soil reaches the top of the hole. Avoid fertilizing new trees and shrubs this late in the season.

For a video on planting and a list of plants that should be avoided until spring, go to: go.osu.edu/fallplanting