If you’re thinking of adding some trees to your landscaping planting them in the fall can be a healthy boost. October is national Neighborwoods Month, sort of the like the month-long arbor day of the Autumn.
Carrie Tauscher is the community and urban forestry director with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, she said planting a tree in the fall gives it a head start on growing. When leaves fall off all nutrients a tree gets goes into the root system.
“When you plant trees in the fall, even if the leaves are already off, if you dormant plant, the root system has an opportunity to really start to get established into the soil before the ground freezes.”
Tauscher says the cold months give the trees a chance to recover and take root.
“It already has part of its recovery from transplant shock starting before next spring, so it’s got a little step ahead.”
Tauscher said the forestry division pushes tree planting and has some grants and event available for planting on public lands.
She says it’s also good to check what trees will do well in the spot you’re considering than take that list to your local nursery.
The Purdue University Extension Tree Planting Guide