Autumn will be here soon, and that means it’s a good time to think about adding trees or shrubs to your yard.
“Planting them in early fall gives their roots several weeks to get established before the first frost,” said Julie Janoski, Plant Clinic manager at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. In September and early October, the air will cool off, but the soil will still be warm enough for roots to grow. “Growing roots is the most important task for a new plant,” Janoski said.
You can plant any species of tree or shrub in early fall as long as it was grown in a container. Most plants sold in garden centers are container-grown. Fall planting may be more risky for trees or shrubs that are sold with their roots wrapped in burlap, as they were grown in a field and dug up for sale.
“Those plants lost the majority of their root system when they were dug out of the ground,” Janoski said. “They will have a better chance to recover if they’re planted in spring and have the entire season to grow.”
This is especially important for some kinds of trees, such as many oaks, maples, hawthorns and magnolias. Consult the Plant Clinic for advice before planting a balled-and-burlapped tree in autumn.
Read more from the Chicago Tribune here.
Pre-ordering of Citizens for Conservation native tree and shrub plants runs through September 1. Plant pick up will be by appointment September 19 – 20.
Visit CFC’s website here for more information.
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