PLANT A TREE, NOW?
The ending of Joyce Kilmer’s ode to trees, “only God can make a tree,” may be true enough (as was Woody Allen’s addendum “probably because it’s so hard to figure out how to get the bark on”). But for good growth once a tree is made, it is for us mortals to step in and plant correctly.
Fall is usually the best time of year to plant most trees. The ground is soft and moist — perfect for digging. Nurseries have fresh trees. And roots have time to establish themselves before stems begin growing next spring.
Kinds of Nursery Trees
Nurseries offer trees three ways. “Bare root” trees are dug from fields as soon as their leaves drop, then the roots are packed in wet sawdust or other moist material. Transplant shock is minimized if the tree isn’t too big (I consider four or five feet tall to be ideal), spends minimum time out of the ground, and — of course — is planted correctly. Bare root trees are the least expensive kinds of nursery trees, and, because they are easily shipped, are available in greatest variety. Read more
