Fall is in the Air: Fall Tips from AAA Landscape!

Ideal Time to Plant Trees

They say the best time to plant a tree was ten years ago and the second best time is now.  September and October is the ideal time to plant trees in Arizona.  Trees planted now have near ideal conditions in which to establish themselves.  Cool temperatures and less intense sun means less stress on new plantings.  Warm soil temperatures encourage root growth well into November.  This is especially important for the success of new trees.

Avoid purchasing trees that have had all their lower limbs removed.  Half of the tree’s branches should originate on the lower two-thirds of the trunk.  Select trees with trunks that have a gradual taper.  The lower trunk should be thicker than the upper trunk.  This is a good indication of trunk strength.  If the stakes are removed, the tree should be able to stand on its own.

Trees must be planted at the right depth and receive the right amount of water if they are to establish themselves and flourish.  Planting too deeply is the most common reason why trees fail.  Close behind is under watering, particularly when trees are young.

Dig a planting hole no deeper than the root ball.  This is to prevent the tree from sinking in the hole caused by the loosened soil in the bottom of the hole settling.  Tree settling often results in the tree’s death because soil fills in around and over the base of the trunk causing crown and root rot.  This damage can develop within months of planting.  In well drained soil, you want to locate the topmost roots in the root ball so that they will be level with the soil surface.  Check to be sure that there is not an excess layer of soil already covering the root ball.  As little as half and inch of excess soil over the root bell can inhibit or prevent water and oxygen from entering the root ball.  Only mulch should be placed over the root ball.

You will want to water the tree daily during the initial establishment period.  After two or three weeks the days between watering can gradually be increased.  By late autumn trees should be receiving two to three waterings weekly.  In winter when temperatures are cool, one watering per week should be sufficient.  Once established, usually one year after planting, desert adapted trees such as mesquite will need little or no supplemental irrigation.  Desert tolerant trees such as live oak and Arizona ash will continue to require some regular watering.