The coming of spring is often announced by a burst of green as flowers, grass, and the leaves on trees all seem to bloom suddenly. The air is thick with pollen (often literally irritatingly so), so it seems Nature, itself, designated this time of year for planting. For people thinking of planting a tree, a combination of warmer weather, the opportunity to be outside after a long winter, and the likelihood of success might make it logical to assume that spring is the best time to get to work.
However, Why not? And when is a better time to plant?
Warm ground
In spring, warm temperatures mean that the weather is more pleasant for outdoor work. They usually also signify that the ground is no longer frozen, allowing digging for tree planting to go much easier. Likewise, a newly planted tree needs about six weeks to establish its root system. A frost in that six-week span might kill the tree before it can thrive, so it makes sense to plant outside of the “danger zone” for frost.
Spring begins in late March, but March is not necessarily without danger for snow and cold in East Tennessee, as snow has been known to fall in March (March of 1993 and 2022 immediately come to mind). By the time April comes, there is significantly less danger, though snow has fallen in the area even that late.
This means that the safest time to plant a tree in the springtime – a time when frost no longer threatens – is somewhat late in the season. This, however, can be troublesome for exactly the opposite reason.
Hot weather
A tree establishing its root system needs to expend a significant amount of its energy in the process. However, since spring and summer are also the seasons for leaf growing, the tree has to expend a portion of its energy to do that as well. Furthermore, if leaf cover is not fully in place, the sun can pose a danger to a young tree. Trees without a robust leaf cover can actually be sunburned, causing the bark to discolor and split, exposing the more sensitive parts underneath. Sunburn can actually kill young trees if intense enough.
While summer officially begins at the end of June, hot weather can arrive much earlier in East Tennessee. Summers here are often relatively hot and dry, which can lead to drought-like conditions. Trees of any age will not fare as well without water, especially young ones that have to devote their water to establishing roots and leaves at the same time. Therefore, a summer planting may mean that the tree may have to be watered, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Best time to plant trees
For these reasons, while trees planted in the spring are not doomed, that season is not the best time for planting in East Tennessee. This also goes for most of North Carolina and the northernmost parts of many southern states, which are in what the United States Department of Agriculture has designated as Hardiness Zone 7.
In this zone, the best time to plant most trees is in early fall. Here’s why:
- By the time fall rolls around, the hottest weather should be over. This means there is less chance of sunburn for young trees.
- Fall is not the season in which trees grow new leaves. This means that a newly planted tree can devote all its energy to establishing its root system.
- While rainfall is less abundant in early fall (September and October), trees have less need for it since they can devote all water towards the root system. Later in the fall (late October through early December), there is much more precipitation, which is enough to nourish the young tree.
Furthermore, the cooler temperatures can be very agreeable to outdoor work such as planting trees.
The main drawback to planting in the fall is the possibility of an early frost. Though typically this does not come until the end of October, an early frost can certainly occur, which might endanger a tree.
Consulting an arborist
For those considering planting trees, a consultation with an ISA-certified arborist is an excellent way to gain information about the specifics of planting trees, as these people are professionals who have a wealth of knowledge about soil conditions, tree biology, and the techniques for planting. Their expertise can help provide the best chance of yielding a healthy, attractive tree.
The ISA-certified arborists at Promier Tree can offer just such advice and can assist with the planting of trees. In fact, Promier offers a wide range of arboricultural services. For a consultation, fill out the form on the website or call (423) 872-2988 to get started planting beautiful, healthy trees.