Fall is a great season for planting hardy trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, and bulbs! Here are some great reasons why:
* Winds aren’t as much of a problem in the fall as they are in the spring, resulting in less dehydration, fewer staking problems, less leaf burn.
* Harmful insect populations are much reduced from spring and summer levels.
* The soil is still warm enough to stimulate root growth. The warmth stored in the earth all summer remains well into fall, but there is no stress from the blazing summer sun. Plants will get to establish roots during two seasons of moderate temperatures (now and spring) before having to face the stress of summer again. Root growth continues as long as soil temperatures in the top 6″ to 12″ of soil are above 38º and adequate moisture is available. Applying a thick (2″ to 3″) layer of mulch in early fall will keep the soil warm even longer. Be sure to leave a 2-inch gap between the mulch and the tree trunk. If it’s too close, mice can burrow under the mulch and chew a ring around the trunk which can cause serious damage to the tree.
Check back next week for Part 3!