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The University of Illinois Extension site explains
why fall planting works well, “Late summer and fall have the
advantage of warm soil to encourage root growth. The shorter and
cooler days also decrease the amounts of water lost through leaves
(transpiration.)” Additionally, “reduced upper plant activity and
warm soil give roots a good start. When growth resumes in the
spring, there are enough roots to support the upper growth.”
Like the Morton Arboretum Site says, the cooler temperatures of fall
“are easier on the plants so there is less chance for the trees to
be stressed by extreme heat. Fall rains help the trees and shrubs
establish their root systems.”
Before deciding what to plant, do some research to find out which
trees and shrubs work well in this area. The University of Illinois
Extension is a good place to find this information.
U of I Extension Educator Ryan Pankau says you should “seek out
native alternatives.” These trees are “adapted to Illinois and offer
huge wildlife benefits to many species in need of help such as our
native pollinators.”
Trees on this list include the white pine, red cedar, bald cypress,
redbud and Washington Hawthorne.
For shrubs, decide whether you want to use them as barriers,
borders, foundations, hedges or screens. Shrubs that would work well
for one of these features are Alpine currant, burning bush, common
boxwood and flame azalea.
Research shows it is good to select trees and shrubs that have
different year-round features such as fruit in the summer and leaves
that change color in the fall.
Many trees and shrubs can be purchased online or at garden centers
or nurseries.
Getting ready to plant
When deciding where to plant, find spots where trees or shrubs have
plenty of space to grow. Trees too large for the space could cause
costly damage when mature.
Measure to ensure your planting space is not too close to houses,
property lines, sewers and drains. The Tree Center says you should
allow 10 feet for small trees, 20 feet for medium-sized trees, 30 to
50 feet for large trees and 100 feet for large, aggressive trees.
Once you are ready for planting, it can be done in several steps.
Before you dig call JULIE (811) for a locate so you avoid damaging
any underground utilities.
To start planting, Joe Gardener says you first need to dig a hole at
least two or three times wider than the plant. Once you take the
plant out of the container, check the width and depth needed. Both
are important to the initial planting process.
You will want to dig a hole deeper than the plants soil ball. Then
back fill soil back into the hole so that when setting the plants
soil ball into the hole the top of the ball is level with, or
slightly above the surrounding soil level. The loosen soil below and
surrounding the soil ball encourages roots to grow.
You can use a tool or measuring tape to compare the soil ball height
to the depth of the hole.
If you plant too deeply, the water just pulls into the center,
potentially drowning your plant.
Another important step is to break up the root ball, so roots become
unrestricted. If you do not break it up, the roots might never
“explore” the new area and plants will never fully establish.
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Next, backfill the hole with native soil. A grade
tapering off slightly away from the existing grade is good, so water
runs off to the edge.
The final steps are adding mulch and watering. When mulching,
Gardener says you should place mulch one to two inches around the
plant’s perimeter. Keep it away from the plant’s base or pest and
disease may infect the plant.
To water the tree, Gardener likes to do a thorough
soaking using a bubbler to slowly soak it.
Find tips on How to Plant Trees & Shrubs Like a Pro at
https://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=Tim4LEo6l10
Following the steps for planting is important. In the article
“Planting Trees Correctly,” Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and
Garden Information Center says, “Trees and shrubs must be planted at
the right depth and receive the right amount of water if they are to
establish themselves and flourish.” Among common planting errors,
the most serious are “planting too deeply and under- or
overwatering.”
Watering refers to frequency, always water slowly and thoroughly to
be sure all the roots receive water when you do water. During dryer
conditions you may need to water a couple times a week. It takes a
couple years for most plant root systems to get established.
If you pay attention to such details before, during and after
planting, it will help ensure successful growth of the new trees and
shrubs.
[Angela Reiners]
Resources:
Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center.
“Planting Trees Correctly.”
Gardener, Joe.
“How to Plant Trees & Shrubs Like a Pro.”
Illinois Extension. “Fall is a Great Time to Plant Trees, Shrubs,
and Bulbs.”
Pankau, Ryan. “Recommended Replacements for Problem Trees.” Illinois
Extension.
The Morton Arboretum. “Fall Planting of Trees and Shrubs.”
The
Tree Center. “Give them Room! Spacing Trees Correctly.”
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