TREE TALK

Local experts give fall tips for planting & pruning 

When we think of trees this time of year, we’re more than likely looking forward to the beautiful foliage they yield. However, fall also brings some great benefits when it comes to planting trees. While spring is also a good time to plant for a number of reasons — extra sunlight with the longer days, warm soil temperatures and spring showers — the advantages of fall plant installation should not be overlooked. 

A season for planting
Tommy “The Woodsman” Parmiter, who provides professional tree services to Forest, Lynchburg and surrounding areas, says fall is the best time to plant as temperatures are lower, less water is required and roots have time to establish before the summer months. 

“The lower temps we have in the fall are ideal for planting trees,” Parmiter says. “You definitely want to avoid doing so in the late spring or summer. When the temps become scorching hot, it’s close to pointless. The plants get too hot and will basically shut down, so they will not soak up water well.” 

Bradley Newman, operations supervisor for Huckleberry Knob Nursery in Campbell County, says fall is his favorite time for planting. 

“Past the Fall Equinox is the best because the sun is not high overhead and so is less intense,” he says. “The nights are usually cooler, and if we get precipitation the ground stays moist longer. Another advantage of fall planting is that the plant can put more resources towards the root system instead of its canopy, flowers and fruit production.” 

Choosing a tree
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing and installing a new tree, but the right tree in the right location is key. Spending the time upfront to research and talk to professionals will go a long way in ensuring proper structure from the start. 

“You have to design your landscape for the needs of the plant,” Newman says. “A good thing to remember is that you are planting for what the plant will look like 10 to 20 years from now. Learn about what its mature height and width will be and what spacing it will need.” 

Smaller trees, such as dogwoods, redbuds and other smaller, ornamental trees and shrubs are more ideal for planting right around your house. Larger trees should be planted 25 feet or more away from your house. 

“The larger your tree, the more it may disturb the foundation of your home, patios, sidewalks and sheds,” Newman says. 

Planting tips
“Trees drive a different pH level than grass does,” Parmiter says. “Planting trees in mulched islands helps protect the roots. As the mulch decomposes, it releases nitrogen into the ground and acts as a natural fertilizer.” It also makes mowing much easier! 

Also consider how your trees will impact other plantings. Newman says, “Some folks might have oak, hickory, black walnut or pecan trees in their yards; these trees are allelopathic, which means that they contain a chemical in their leaves, nuts and twigs that can deter the growth of some plants. So it’s always good to look at what else is around your yard before you start narrowing down your list of plants you want in your landscape.” 

You will also want to consider sun versus shade in tree planting. “It’s good to know how the sun orients itself around your house and other trees in the area. There is a great website called SunCalc.net where you can learn how the sun will track around your property throughout the year,” Newman adds.

It’s also imperative to plant all trees at the proper depth and width. Many trees experience problems later in life because they were either planted too deep or too high. 

“Where the trunk meets the root ball is the most sensitive part of the tree,” Parmiter says. “The roots will go where there’s water and oxygen, so they typically spread out broadly and close to the surface. Your hole in the ground should go as deep as the root ball and then twice as wide as the root ball.” 

Breaking up the dirt around the root ball will allow the roots to grow better as they reach out, and using local dirt is highly recommended versus bringing in potting soil to avoid stressing out the tree. 

Tree maintenance
As far as upkeep, most well-placed trees will not have to be pruned other than removing any dead wood or crossing branches. Some trees may need to be pruned yearly or every few years depending on how close they are to homes. 

“The best time for tree work is in the winter,” Parmiter says. “Pruning should happen after the leaves drop and before leaves bud while the tree is dormant. Removing any dead limbs should also be done in the winter. Many trees self-prune, so it’s just a matter of removing the deadness and allowing the trees to close those wounds.” 

Local experts also say that deer fencing is important this time of year, and that protecting juvenile trees from deer damage/antler rub is the most essential way to prepare them for the fall and winter seasons in our area. 

It is typically ideal to consult a professional and do your research before taking on any landscape project yourself. Improper pruning can promote rot and provide homes for pests in your trees and shrubs. Over-mulching can kill plants and cause fungal growth in your beds. And trimming large trees yourself can also carry a high risk of property damage or personal injury. 

“Look for someone who is credentialed,” Parmiter says. “You can’t just cut wherever you want as it could end up destroying the tree. I would also hire someone who free climbs without tree-climbing spikes. These spikes could cause harm to the tree and possibly carry diseases from other trees in other areas.” 

As you enjoy cooler fall weather, plan ahead for any planting or maintenance that needs to be done before winter. You’ll enjoy the “foliage of your labor” for years to come! ✦