Whenever you are considering making changes to your landscape, you should consider when is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. Late this past spring, I had to change some landscaping quickly. There was no option to choose the optimal time to plant. Hopefully this post will help others to make wise planting decisions, if possible.

When to Plant Trees and Shrubs: Which Seasons Are Best?

It's Best to Plant in.....

Fall, winter (if the ground is not frozen), and early spring are the best seasons to plant. During these times, there is a greater chance that regular rain will fall. Plus, there are usually fewer temperature extremes.

Why Not Plant in Summer?

Summer is not a good time to plant for two main reasons. In general, there is less rain in the summer. Newly planted plants generally need a consistent amount of water. Also, plants that are fully leafed out may stress more easily. If a plant is stressed, it negatively impacts its survival rate.

Also Consider Your Location

Weather varies from state to state and even region to region. It is always important to apply your state’s seasonal changes to planting guidelines.

Specific Plant

Some plants survive better if planted during a specific time. Make sure to research specifics about the plant you choose so that it has the best chance for success.

Watering Matters

If rainfall is not consistent and adequate, watering plants is essential. Newly planted trees and shrubs do not have adequate root systems to survive and thrive without consistent watering. It is rare that it rains twice a week every week. As a result, a reliable way to water plants is essential. There are a couple of issues to consider. First is the time.  Consistent watering is a chore. Soaker hoses are excellent choices to simplify the watering process. Second is access to a water source. Stringing several hoses together is time consuming, sometimes wastes water at connections, and may create an issue when mowing grass etc. Frequently monitoring hoses is necessary to ensure that the water is going to the planted areas correctly. Finally, hand watering poses some of the same issues plus additional time. It is time consuming to hand water numerous plants several times a week.

My Experience

I do not have much positive to say about planting shrubs and trees in late spring. Even with soaker hoses in place, watering two and three times a week is a huge responsibility.  In the end, there are several boxwoods that are showing signs of stress. Maybe the planting time was wrong, or maybe it was just too hot and windy, or maybe whatever. In the end, try to set yourself up for success when you plant. It can save time and money.

Resources:

This is an excellent article from the University of Maryland.

Similarly, the Virginia Department of Forestry also has some excellent tips.