For those thinking about adding a tree or shrub to their landscape, fall is a good time, while the soil is still warm, to plant many different types of ornamental plants.
There are a few exceptions for some plants that are difficult to transplant, so for some it would be best to wait until early spring, but generally, if the soil is still warm, planting now will ensure that many different trees or shrubs can develop good root growth before being transplanted. the first frost. Establishing good root growth prepares the young plant for the heat stress of the following summer.
At our Information Office we regularly receive questions about planting trees and shrubs. We provide information about which trees and shrubs are best transplanted in autumn or spring. However, in general we would like to encourage the planting of native species. There are numerous reasons why native species should be considered, including the fact that they provide food, shelter and shelter for many species of wildlife, such as pollinators, small animals and birds. In addition, native plants are generally easier to care for and require less water, fertilizer and pesticides.
Once you have chosen a particular native species for your landscape, there are other important considerations before making a purchase. Many problems can be avoided if a suitable species is selected for a specific location.
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First decide where you want to place the new plant and then determine the size of the desired plant at maturity. Don’t select a plant that will eventually outgrow its location. Then determine the sun exposure. Is the spot in full sun, partial sun or is the spot in the shade? This will help determine which species to select.
Another crucial point to consider is soil conditions. In the area for a future plant, the soil should be tested for pH and nutrient deficiencies. Most woody plants grow satisfactorily with a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Information about soil can be found at njaes.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab/. In general, loams and sandy loams provide the best soil structure for plant growth. Other conditions to consider before your purchase include wind conditions and any utility issues.
Once you have determined the desired plant, location, soil, water, light, heat, wind and other prevailing conditions, it is time to visit the garden center or nursery. Please read and understand the warranty and return policy before any purchase. In general, reputable nurseries and garden centers will guarantee a tree or shrub during the first growing season.
Let’s say you’ve chosen a red maple, a medium-sized, cold-tolerant deciduous tree native to New Jersey. This is a beautiful shade tree, but should not be planted too close to sidewalks or driveways because the tree has a shallow lateral root system, which can cause paving to buckle. Be sure to soak the roots before planting as this stimulates the root system and rehydrates the tree after it has been in a container.
Continue digging the hole, it should be large enough to accommodate the entire root system. Maintain the same planting depth as the growing container. Then fill the hole with water and sprinkle with root booster, a means to stimulate rapid and vigorous root development. They are available at any reputable nursery or garden center. Then remove the maple tree from the container and place it in the hole. Add or remove soil to keep the root depth the same. Fill it in with native topsoil, trying to fill in any air pockets.
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You now need to water until puddles form. As soon as it drains, water again. Finally, apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the soil surface, up to the spread of the branches. This will enrich the soil and insulate the roots from temperature fluctuations.
Unless the location is exceptionally windy, you may not need to support a newly planted tree. The natural movement of the trunk by the wind stimulates root growth and increases trunk thickness faster than with staked trees. If you have windy conditions and decide to stake out and use guy wires, they should be removed after a year.
Red maples are sensitive to sunburn. To prevent this you can use a trunk wrap, also available at the nursery or garden center. Sunburn splits and cracks in the bark, caused by sun exposure, and can be life-threatening to the tree. Trunk wraps can also prevent vole feeding and deer injury. Only use the stem cloth during the first season after planting.
Check the soil moisture of the newly planted tree at least once a week. Soil that feels moist or moist is fine. If the soil begins to dry out, water the plant thoroughly. Do not water too much. You can easily drown newly planted trees from too much tender loving care with the garden hose.
If you have any questions about your landscape, we are here to help. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County is located at 4000 Kozlowski Road in Freehold. Our main number is 732-431-7260. Our website is www.njaes.rutgers.edu/extension.
Dennis McNamara is an agricultural program officer with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Monmouth County.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: When is the best time to plant trees or shrubs in New Jersey?
