Many arborists and landscapers agree that planting trees in fall is better than in spring. Why? One reason is that in the fall trees can establish new root systems easier because they don’t have to share water and other nutrients with their leaves. Plus, their roots grow better in the cooler soil temperatures.

The fall planting season in Ohio begins in early September and runs through November. In a previous blog, we discussed how fall temperatures and conditions are optimal for trees. Here are some professional landscaping tips from Five Seasons Landscape Management that confirm why fall is a great season for planting trees.

4 advantages of planting trees in the fall:

1. Transpiration is low
   Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant. Low transpiration in the cooler months of fall allow plants to conserve more water than in warmer months.
2. Root generation is high
   There is a high potential for root generation in fall so plants can anchor into the ground and absorb water from the soil easier.
3. No damaging heat
   The moderate to cool fall temperatures won’t damage plants like hot weather can.
4. More time to establish roots
   Planting in the fall gives plants three seasons to develop their roots before the hot, stressful summer comes along.

Which trees grow best in Ohio?

With so many trees to choose from, how do you know which type is best for your yard? From fruit trees to flowering trees, the Midwest provides the perfect climate for many tree varieties to thrive. Here are some examples of trees that are easy to grow and maintain in Ohio.

What are the best fruit trees to plant in fall?

Wouldn’t it be great to walk into your backyard and pick a crisp, delicious apple from your very own apple tree? How about a peach, nectarine or plum? Some fruit trees only produce fruit in spring and summer while others may produce fruit all year long.

• Apple Trees
  You may not get any fruit the first year and only small apples the second and third years, but mature fruit will appear as the trees age and keep growing for years to come. Try planting different varieties, like red and golden delicious.
• Peach and Nectarine Trees
  Like apple trees, peach and nectarine trees may not bear fruit in the first few years. To speed things up a bit, keep in mind that transplanted trees will grow better than if you start from seed.
• Plum Trees
  Plums vary in color and size, but generally the flavor is sweet. The Superior plum tree and the Green Gage plum trees are cold hardy and productive. The American plum tree can reach 20 feet high by 25 feet wide so make sure to plant it where it has room to grow.

Which flowering trees grow best in the Midwest?

White, pink or red blooms add beauty and drama to any landscape. Spring-flowering trees come in many sizes, from dwarf ornamental trees to tall and sturdy shade trees. Here are some popular flowering trees to consider adding to your landscape.

• Dogwood Trees
  Flowering Dogwood is one of the most favorable ornamental trees in Ohio because it looks great during all four seasons. Flowers bloom in early spring, crimson foliage emerges in fall, and large floral buds round out the winter.
• Crabapple Trees
  Whether they’re wild or sweet, crabapple trees are present all over Ohio. With fragrant white/pink blossoms, the fruit may be bitter on its own but can make delicious jellies and jams.
• Japanese Kwanzan Cherry Trees
  Kwanzan flowering cherry trees are covered in vibrant red flower buds that bloom into double pink flowers in early spring and maintain a good fall color with orange leaves and a smooth red bark.

They can grow to be quite tall, providing welcoming shade in warmer months.

Benefits of planting trees

There are many benefits of planting trees. Shade trees, for example, help reduce your home’s cooling costs, reduce soil erosion in your yard and increase your home’s curb appeal. Fruit trees are not only beautiful, they’re also delicious.

Planting trees in fall, rather than spring, gives them more time to get settled and establish their root systems before the hot and harsh summer temperatures come along. Contact Five Seasons Landscape Management if you have any questions or need help deciding which type of tree is right for you and your yard. Once planted, our professional tree care services ensure your trees stay healthy and reach their full potential.

The post Advantages of Fall Tree Planting in Ohio appeared first on Five Seasons Landscape.

Spring and summer aren’t the only times of the year to get growing. Did you know that fall is actually an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs? Believe it. Read on to find out how you can get your green thumb on in your garden this season.

Why fall is the best time to plant

Fall Temperatures and Conditions Are Optimal For Trees and Shrubs

Many envision spring and summer as an optimal time to plant trees and shrubs, but fall is an excellent time for several reasons. First, fall planting encourages good root growth and encourages root systems to grow deep before the parching summer heat returns. With more focus on root growth, trees and shrubs will be ready to put on top growth in the spring. When planted in spring or summer, it can sometimes take up to an entire year to see the same kind of growth. Root development is especially important because trees and shrubs store water and nutrients in roots when they go dormant for the winter.

Fall weather is often cooler and wetter compared to other seasons, which also encourages growth and lets you take it easy when it comes to watering maintenance. Not only is soil wetter from fall weather, but it also stays warm for quite a while before winter sets in, compared to spring weather that is unpredictable and can make working in soil difficult.

Another benefit of planting trees and shrubs in fall? Less pest and disease problems. With cooler temperatures, insects that love to feed on plants are less active, making life a little easier for your garden. With winter approaching, it also means in many cases that they’re nearing the end of their life cycle. So what does this mean for your beloved backyard? Your trees and shrubs that are planted are able to grow and be affected less by insects before winter arrives compared to being planted in the spring.

Fall weather isn’t just good for planting, it’s better for gardeners as well. Instead of sweltering in the hot summer heat, the cooler temperatures provide a more comfortable working environment, helping you to stay outside longer to tackle all your backyard projects.

Getting Started with Trees and Shrubs

Now that you’re (hopefully) sold on fall planting, there are a few things to consider first before actually getting started:

1. Where to Plant
   While cooler weather has its benefits, it’s still important to consider where you’re actually planting your tree or shrub. Make sure your space has the correct sun requirements. For trees, make sure you consider the size of the mature tree so you’ll know the distance you’ll need to plant from your home, fences, and overhead wires.
2. Underground Utilities
   It’s important to call before you dig so you can protect yourself from the possibility of hitting any underground utility lines. Avoid hitting these by calling 811 or checking with your local utility companies before you dig so you can prevent damage to utility lines, your property, and any possible injuries.
3. Selecting Your Trees and Shrubs
   Think about what kind of tree or shrub you want to plant. Most will last for a long time, so think about how they will pair with your backyard landscape and how they’ll look throughout the year.

Planting Your Tree or Shrub

Trees and shrubs are usually sold in different ways. Larger shrubs and trees can be burlapped, while ones of many different sizes can come in containers. With smaller trees and shrubs, you can sometimes find them bareroot. Here’s a basic breakdown on how you can get trees and shrubs started in your backyard.

1. Create a hole that’s about twice as wide as your root system (or root ball), and make sure it’s deep enough. Break up the soil you just dug and save it for later.
2. Remove the container and hold the tree by the root ball and place it in the hole. Gently loosen the roots to help them grow out. For burlapped trees, make sure the rope that holds the burlap together is untied and removed.
3. Backfill the same hole with soil that you dug before, then add water to settle the soil.

So, there you have it. Fall isn’t just a time of cooler weather and changing colors, it’s also a great time to get out in your yard and plant! Interested in using trees and shrubs to liven up your outdoor space? Our team can help. Contact us today!

The post Why You Should Be Planting Trees and Shrubs in the Fall (And How You Can Get Started) appeared first on Five Seasons Landscape.

Popular spring flowers that start as bulbs include:

• Hyacinths
• Daffodils
• Tulips
• Amaryllis
• Crocus
• Lilies

Many of these varieties are popular in Ohio because they are hardy and do well over a cold winter.

When to Plant Flowering Bulbs
A good rule of thumb is to pant your bulbs about 6 weeks before the soil in your region freezes, usually late September or early October. If in doubt, earlier is better so that the root systems have time to develop before it gets really cold. If you plant your bulbs too late, the plants may bloom later in the season.

Simple Steps for Bulb Planting:

1. When purchasing flowering bulbs, select big fat healthy ones and avoid any that appear dry, withered or moldy.
2. Work bulb fertilizer into the surrounding soil after you dig your hole.
3. Plant bulbs pointed side up because that is the stem of the plant and it will grow easier.
4. Water well after planting, and again if you have a dry fall.

How Deep to Plant Flowering Bulbs
Consider the size of the bulb and use a garden spade to dig a hole that is about three times as deep as the bulb’s diameter.

Planting Bulbs in Groups
For a more dramatic look or to get maximum flowers in small spaces, plant groups of bulbs together in one large hole. To create companion plantings, layer different types of bulbs from bottom to top, lightly covering each layer with soil.

After the Bloom
It’s best to let your plants die back on their own because they need time to create food reserves for next year. (It takes about two months for the flowers to fade.) Once your plants have finished flowering you can cut them back to ground level.

If you want spring flowering bulbs planted this fall in Columbus, Ohio, whether for your home, business or rental property, contact the lawn care professionals at Five Seasons Landscape Management.

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