Fall is in arriving. By now kids are back in school in Athens-Clarke County and Oconee County, UGA is bustling with students and the Georgia Bulldogs are at it again. Although it’s a common to think that Spring is the best time to get out in the yard and start fresh, it’s really Fall that provides optimal growth conditions for many plantings, especially trees and shrubs.

Planting Trees and Shrubs in Fall

The months of September, October, and November are great for landscape projects, in our area, especially the planting of new trees and shrubs.

There is a false perception in the gardening world that fall is the end of the growing season. In fact, it is quite the contrary. Fall is an ideal season for planting trees, shrubs and other assorted plants. The key is encouraging good root growth. Planting trees and shrubs in fall enables the root systems to grow before the hot summer returns.

Unlike in the spring when the focus is placed on flower and leaf development, trees and shrubs use their energy in the fall to develop their root systems.

Fall is the optimal season for planting trees and shrubs due to the increase in rainfall and cooler temperatures. At the same time, trees require less water because the days are cooler and shorter. Less energy is spent on photosynthesis, tree shoot growth halts and soils stay warm long after the temperature cools, all encouraging strong root growth.

There are several benefits to fall planting. Trees planted in the fall are better equipped to deal with heat and drought in the following season. Another great reason to plant your shrubs in the fall is because you can pick your trees and shrubs by the fall color they produce.

Fall planting pays off in the Spring when trees and shrubs can devote all their effort to fruit and flower development.

To schedule your consultation for Fall Tree Planting and Fertilizing in Athens and Oconee County, call us today at (706) 254 6564.