 Need Some Shade? Plant a Tree This Fall
Fall is the perfect time to plant a tree - for both the gardener and the tree. People who love the outdoors particularly enjoy spending time in the yard during the cool, sunny days of autumn. Trees benefit too because they have time to get established before winter comes. The soil is better able to retain moisture during the fall than during the hot days of summer. If you'd like to add a tree to your home landscape, follow these simple and easy steps: 1. Select the Tree and Decide Where to Plant Choose a tree based on your landscape's sun, soil, moisture and temperature conditions, as well as your personal preferences regarding color, size and leaf shape. Make sure you choose a site in your yard that will accommodate the tree after it has matured. If planting close to your home, you might want a smaller or slower-growing tree. A large tree should be planted at least 20 feet from a structure, as the tree's roots may encroach upon the foundation of the structure or the foundation may block and stunt the growth of the tree's root system. To screen out an undesirable view, however, a larger or faster-growing variety may be just what you need. For help deciding on the right tree, ask a Texas Nursery and Landscape certified professional at your local garden center. 2. Test the Soil for Drainage Before you plant a tree, test your soil for drainage. Here's a quick way to do it. Dig a hole, fill it with water, and check it twice: once after 24 hours have elapsed and again after 48 hours. If the hole drains well in this time frame, the soil should adequately support a tree in this area. 3. Dig the Planting Hole and Place the Roots Inside Dig a hole two to three times wider than the tree's rootball. The hole should be deep enough that the tree is at or slightly above the depth it was in the nursery field or container. If your hole is too deep, the tree will settle as you water it, placing stress on the root system. If you've selected a bare root tree, gently place the roots in the planting hole, taking care not to tangle or twist them. If you've selected a container-grown or balled and burlapped tree, mound up a small amount of soil in the bottom of the hole and place the tree on top of the mound. 4. Fill the Hole and Water Thoroughly After placing the tree in the hole, refill the hole with the soil you initially removed. As you refill it, gently firm the soil to remove air pockets. This will keep the roots from drying out. Water deeply, and enjoy the new addition to your landscape. Information provided by Texas Certified Nursery and Texas Certified Landscape Professionals program of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association. For more information, contact TNLA at (512) 280-5182. | 
