Looking around, you may think that we do not need any more trees. But where did all those trees come from? Somebody had to plant all these trees that we now enjoy. Either the Supreme tree planter, or someone just like you and me took the time and made the effort to give to their own and future generations. If you don’t need a shade tree, you could plant an ornamental tree to add some color to your yard. If someone had not had the foresight 20 or 100 years ago to plant that tree in your landscape you would not have the benefits that you now enjoy. Commit an act of faith for the future and plant a tree this fall. It’s the perfect time.

Of course they say the best time to plant a tree was forty years ago; that we don’t plant trees for ourselves, we plant them for our children. Unless you are a tree-planter of some maturity, you have missed that window of opportunity! The absolute best time to plant a tree is in the fall, giving that tree more time to get their roots established by the heat of next summer. Trees, being bigger plants that need more time to settle in, will not show much growth for the first year or two after planting. They are working on getting their roots established to support the new, above ground growth. You can plant a tulip and you can plant a tomato, but no other planting in the world offers as much satisfaction as the planting of a tree.

The many different species of trees may leave you at a loss about what to plant. Determining why you are planting a tree will narrow your choices. Is it to provide shade? Do you care about fall color? We don’t have many native trees that give us fall color and that may be something you would consider. Are there any space limitations? Measure the space that the tree canopy will fill when it is mature. When you go to pick out your tree, make sure that it will fit that space. Don’t plant a tall tree under power lines. Most trees enjoy full sun, but some ornamental trees will grow as understory trees in some shade. If planted on the west or south side of your house you may want a tree that is deciduous, one that loses its leaves in the winter to let the warmth of the sun shine through. Whatever your conditions are, you can find a tree that will fit the bill.

The main question I get about trees is ‘How fast does it grow’? We really can’t expect a tree to grow fast. Trees are big things! They need time to grow. If you’ve ever had to remove a tree, you know how massive those roots can be. Those roots feed the tree, provide it water, and anchor it to the soil. That mass of tree below the soil is as big as the mass above the ground. When you think about all the nutrients and water and time that it takes to grow a tree, it is understandable that they are not going to jump out of the ground! However, if you keep up with the watering and proper soil amending you can get them to move along a little faster than if they are ignored.

Stay away from the tree spikes and synthetic fertilizers. While they feed the tree they don’t do anything to build the health of the soil, the soil that will grow the tree. Be sure that you do not use any Weed and Feed around any tree. This product can actually kill trees. The three main things that you need to do for your new tree are to soak the root ball when planted with dilute liquid seaweed, and spread compost underneath that nice layer of mulch that you’re going to top dress with. The seaweed stimulates new root growth, the compost helps build the health of the soil, and the mulch will help conserve water and also contribute to a healthy soil.

So what kind of tree are you going to plant? A good locally grown nursery can always help with selection. They will know what trees do well in your area. And they will have higher quality trees than those box stores that advertise free replacement if it dies. If you have to take it home, plant it, and then it dies and you have to dig it up and take it back and then bring the new tree home and plant it again,,,,,ummm, was it really “free” replacement? Find a good reputable nursery, take their advice on selection and planting, and you will have the best of luck with survival from a properly grown tree. There are many great choices when it comes to trees. I bet there’s one out there just waiting for you to give it a good home! And you’re kids will thank you!