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Fall Is for Trees: Why September Is a Great Time to Plant

Posted on by admin
04
Sep

If adding a tree or larger shrub has been on your landscape wish list, September is a great time to get started. In New Jersey, cooler fall temperatures combined with soil that still holds warmth from summer can create favorable conditions for establishing many woody plants.

Plant this fall, and your new tree or shrub can begin developing roots before winter and get a head start when spring returns.

Why September Is a Great Planting Month

The intense heat of summer can put additional stress on newly transplanted plants. As September brings cooler days and nights, conditions become more comfortable for both plants and gardeners.

Fall planting offers several advantages:

  • Cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress
  • Warm soil encourages root development
  • Moisture evaporates more slowly
  • Plants can focus more energy on establishing roots
  • Trees and shrubs have time to begin settling in before winter

Even as visible growth begins to slow, important development can continue beneath the soil.

Give Trees a Head Start on Spring

When trees and shrubs are planted in fall, their roots can begin growing into the surrounding soil while conditions remain favorable.

When spring arrives, they’re already in place and ready to continue establishing as temperatures warm. That extra time can help prepare them for their first full growing season in your landscape.

Add Shade, Privacy and Structure

Trees and larger shrubs can do much more than fill an empty space. They can completely change the look and function of your property.

Consider adding them to:

  • Create shade around patios and outdoor spaces
  • Add privacy between neighboring properties
  • Screen an unwanted view
  • Frame a driveway, walkway, or entrance
  • Add spring flowers
  • Bring colorful foliage to the fall landscape
  • Provide evergreen structure
  • Create food and shelter for wildlife

Think about what your landscape needs most, then choose plants that provide both beauty and function.

Choose the Right Plant for the Right Place

Trees and larger shrubs are long-term investments, so it’s important to plan for the future.

Before choosing a plant, consider:

  • Mature height and width
  • Sunlight requirements
  • Soil and drainage
  • Available root space
  • Proximity to buildings and walkways
  • Overhead wires
  • Flowers, foliage, berries, or fall color

Planning for mature size now can help prevent overcrowding and other problems later.

Plant at the Proper Depth

Proper planting depth is especially important for trees.

Dig the planting hole wider than the root ball, but avoid planting too deeply. For trees, the root flare near the base of the trunk should remain visible rather than being buried beneath soil or mulch.

Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Keep Watering Through Fall

Cooler temperatures don’t mean newly planted trees and shrubs can be forgotten.

Check soil moisture regularly, particularly during dry stretches, and water deeply when needed. New plantings need adequate moisture as roots begin growing into the surrounding soil.

Continue monitoring them until the ground begins to freeze.

Mulch the Right Way

Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, moderate temperature fluctuations, and reduce competition from weeds.

Spread mulch around the root zone, but keep it away from direct contact with trunks and stems. Avoid piling mulch around the base of a tree.

Invest in Your Landscape This September

A tree or larger shrub can become more valuable to your landscape with every passing year.

Whether you’re looking for shade, privacy, flowers, fall color, evergreen structure, or a beautiful focal point, September is an excellent time to visit the garden center, explore your options, and start planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is September a good time to plant trees in New Jersey?

Yes. Cooler temperatures and soil that remains warm from summer can provide favorable conditions for establishing many trees and shrubs.

Can I plant larger shrubs in fall?

Yes. Many landscape shrubs can benefit from the same fall conditions that make September a good time for planting trees.

Do newly planted trees need water in fall?

Yes. New trees and shrubs need consistent moisture while their roots become established, especially during dry periods.

Should I mulch around a new tree?

Yes. Mulch can help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Keep it away from direct contact with the trunk.

Why does mature size matter when choosing a tree?

Planning for mature height and width helps ensure the tree has enough room to grow without interfering with buildings, walkways, utilities, or neighboring plants.

Visit Donaldson Greenhouse & Nursery

Thinking about adding a tree or larger shrub to your landscape? Stop by Donaldson Greenhouse & Nursery to explore your options and find the right additions for your New Jersey property.

Donaldson Greenhouse & Nursery
178 Airport Road
Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Current Hours
Monday through Saturday: 8 AM to 6 PM
Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM

 

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