Fall is officially here. And with it comes the opportunity to plant that tree or shrub you've been looking at all summer, but didn't buy because of the cost or the amount of effort and money involved in constantly watering it in the 90 degree and above heat and its related overly dry conditions.
Right now is the time to put that tree or shrub in the ground. Weather conditions favor the transplant, and many nurseries and other retailers have put some deep discounts on most of their root-balled stock in hopes of selling it to reduce inventory and avoid losing the balled root or potted plants to winter freeze. Most places also sell bales of peat moss, something you'll need to properly give the tree a great start in your yard.
The weather's going to be nice in coming weeks, this weekend especially, with cooler temperatures and a good chance of some rain. Plant a tree and take advantage of the benefits trees offer, like lower summer air conditioning bills, a more comfortable yard, a shady spot (up to 20 degrees cooler than in the sun) to sip your or beverage of choice, and the beauty that can give your property.
Don't know the first thing about planting a tree or shrub? Ask your nurseryman, or visit any one of many sites on the internet. And get the kids or grandkids to help. It's good for them.
3 comments:
Thanks Phronesis! Tell me, if I plant ornamental grasses now will they survive with enough root growth through the winter (that's assuming they are appropriate for our zone)?
How about dogwood transplants and crepe myrtles? If I plant seedlings now, or move them around, will they make it or will the cold crush them before they get rooted well?
Well, 8:49, studies show the post-meridian sublimation of the root systems of the dogwoods and crepes tends to make for poor stabilization and a decided lack of systemic actualization. A better strategy is to ensure that the root ball immersion is at least equal to total biomass ratio of the shrub in question.
As for ornamental grasses, I've never smoked any.
Ornamental grasses are best planted in the spring. Some advocate that it can be done in the fall, but warn that winterkill will take its toll, even with protection, i.e., deep mulch, etc.
The dogwoods and crspe myrtle seedlings should also wait antil spring. If they're already sprouting up from the ground near parent plants, leave them there protected (or not) until spring, then transplant them. If you're growing dogwood from seed (not many people do, but it can be done), the process involves refrigerating the seed for a time then starting it indoors in late winter. Check internet sites for details.
Phronesis
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