Fall is known as the best time to plant trees in Kingsport. But what if you missed the mark? Can you plant trees during the winter in Tennessee? Read on as Kingsport arborists at Promier Tree answer this question.
Get the facts on planting trees
You need to evaluate several factors when determining if it’s the right time to plant new trees in Kingsport. New trees need approximately six weeks to establish their root system. If a heavy freeze occurs during this early stage, it can kill the tree. An excellent general rule to follow is that if your existing trees still have their leaves, it is safe to plant a new tree in Johnson City. For additional peace of mind, measure your soil temperature early in the morning. If the temperature registers at least 50 degrees for several days in a row, it’s safe to plant. If you’re looking to plant an evergreen tree, the soil temperature needs to be 60 degrees or higher. This is because evergreen trees hold onto their needles throughout the year and thus need a higher supply of nutrients.
Homeowners living in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol in Tennessee reside in Zone 7 of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. These zones are used to designate the climatic conditions in locations across the U.S. relevant to the growth and survival of plants. In Zone 7, the average final frost of the winter occurs on April 1, with the average first frost of a new winter taking place on Halloween. That leaves, on average, 213 growing days in a calendar year.
Once the ground freezes the first time, it is ideal to wait until late winter or early spring before planting new trees in Bristol. Otherwise, these young saplings may succumb to the winter’s wind, ice, and snow because of roots that freeze or dry out during the cold weather. Living in Zone 7, you want to avoid planting trees from November to March. Even by waiting to spring, you need to keep an eye on the forecast and avoid tree planting if extreme weather is anticipated later in the week.
Follow these tips for winter planting
Planting new trees during the winter can be extremely complicated. Make a mistake in the planting or the initial care, and your saplings will not survive until spring. If you do decide to plant new trees in winter, follow this guide to protect your young saplings as much as possible.
- Keep them watered – Just because it’s not warm out doesn’t mean you can avoid watering your new trees. Because of lower humidity levels and the decreased moisture in the winter air, your saplings are more vulnerable to dehydration or desiccation when the weather is cold. Water at least once a week until the ground freezes, and make sure to water thoroughly before a heavy freeze.
- Make with the mulch – Placing a layer of mulch helps regulate the temperature of the soil surrounding your new trees. A newly planted tree will continue to grow its roots if the soil temperature stays above 45 degrees. Well-placed mulch helps keep soil temperatures higher for longer.
- Skip the fertilizer – You’ll be tempted to boost your new tree’s growth, but this is better suited for spring. Adding a little compost is OK, as this encourages root growth.
- Set the stakes – Winter winds in Kingsport and the surrounding areas of East Tennessee can get pretty fierce. To prevent damage to your young, vulnerable trees, stake them.
- Leave them be – Once your new trees in Johnson City are planted, mulched, and staked, it is best not to disturb them until spring is in bloom. Avoid pruning new saplings during that first winter, as they won’t have time to recover from the damage.
Tree planting in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol
Does the above guide to planting new trees seem overwhelming? Why not trust the job to the professionals at Promier Tree? Whether you are looking to plant new trees or have questions about any of the existing trees on your property, consult an ISA-certified arborist in Kingsport. Our arborists possess a wealth of knowledge about all the tree species common to East Tennessee, and they are certified with the International Society of Arboriculture. Schedule an estimate with one of our arborists today by calling (423) 765-2626.