Fall is for planting

Fall is the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials in our
gardens. Or, you may have an entire area that needs landscaping.
Planting in the fall has many advantages. Roots are allowed to develop
and establish themselves before the hottest part of the summer. The
expanded root system can support and take advantage of the spring
growth that will take place once the warmer weather arrives. Well
planned landscapes are easier to care for.

October through December are ideal months for planting. Fall planting allows trees, shrubs and perennials to get a faster, more vigorous start the following spring.

Let’s look at why the fall is such a good time to plant:

Fall months- Soil is still warm from the hot summer allowing the roots to begin growing.

Winter months- Roots grow as long as the soil is above 40 degrees. Moisture is usually plentiful during this time.

Spring months- Top growth begins as the roots continue to grow. During the winter months the plant has established a larger root system. An established root system allows plants to tolerate the harsh drying winds and heat during the summer months.

Planning is the first step to do before you purchase plants.

The value of a plan is that it makes you think about what you would like instead of impulse buying. It also helps you think about how you want to use and enjoy your landscape. One of the best ways to plan is to drive around and look at other landscapes. See what appeals to you and the type of landscape you like. Identify things that you like and then plan them in your landscape.

All plants have certain growing requirements. Research the plants’ and their particular needs. Is it adapted to your area’s soil? In Bexar County, we have three Ecoregions—Edwards Plateau, Blackland Prairie, and South Texas Plains. Find out the mature height and width. Choose a spot that meets the requirements of what you are planning to plant. If you are going to be planting shade loving plants, then you would choose a site under a tree or one that is blocked from the sun. Sketch a rough diagram of the space.

A good rule of thumb is always “plan before you plant.” It does not matter if it is one tree or an entire landscape. It is very costly to move plants around once they are already planted. Always ask yourself what the mature height and width of the plant will be. How large will it be five years from now? Plants are a lot like people—they grow up. A small one gallon pot will look completely differentin the landscape five years from now.

Planting involves several steps. Select the site first. If the site selected is covered with grass or weeds, it must be removed. There are several brand names that contain the weed killer glyphosate. Check for the ingredient on the label and apply according to directions. For best results apply to the foliage of actively growing weeds. Glyphosate-containing herbicides effectively control many weeds and do not have any adverse effects on the environment. This systemic herbicide transports from the plant foliage to the underground root or rhizome system. Wilting and yellowing will occur, followed by complete browning and deterioration of plant tissue.

Add organic matter or compost to your planting area. This will improve drainage, water holding capacity, quality of soil and help to support a strong, extensive and resilient root system. Organic matter and compost breaks down and adds nutrients back to the soil.

Trees are a commodity in Texas. They grow steadily in value, and provide years of enjoyment. Well-maintained, mature, healthy trees can increase the value of your home, depending on the size, species and location. Check the real estate classified to see how many ads mention “beautiful mature trees,” “well-landscaped yard,” or some other tree related description. Plant location, especially when it is near buildings, utility lines, or other plants, can be a detriment.

Trees provide height and texture in a landscape. They also provide shade. Shade in the west and southwest can yield a 25 to 40% reduction in air-conditioning bills during the summer months. They can also shade the soil and plants, making them more water efficient. Plant several types of trees instead of a monoculture of one.

Plant trees at least 15 to 20 feet from a structure. Here are a few guidelines to plant properly:

Dig a hole large enough in diameter so that the root system has at least six inches of clearance on all sides. The root ball should rest on a solid soil foundation, so do not dig the hole deeper than the ball.
Plant the tree or shrub slightly above the level of the surrounding soil, to allow for settling and increased soil drainage.
Carefully place the tree or shrub in the hole. Handle the plant by the root ball not by the trunk. A broken ball of earth can mean a dead plant.

Backfill the hole, using the native soil removed from the hole; do not use soil amendments when planting large shrubs and trees. Fill the hole, and firm the soil around the plant. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and to eliminate any air pockets.
Do not fertilize your tree or shrub after planting. Wait until early spring to do this. At the time of transplanting, soak the root ball and the surrounding soil.

Shrubs are the workhorse or backbone of the landscape. Besides being versatile and varied, they provide screening and shading while beautifying the landscape. Shrubs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures.

Shrubs massed together give a layered effect with higher shrubs in back, medium and small toward the middle and front. Consider height and width of mature plant when selecting shrubbery. By placing plants too close together, you will create long-term maintenance problems. Learn what individual requirements are for the shrubbery you choose for your landscape. They will reward you with vigorous growth and showy color. Seasonal change adds continuing interest in your landscape all year long.

When planting those trees and shrubs, be sure to treat any cuts or scrapes to the bark with some sort of pruning paint or wound sealer. Although it is fall, there are still wood boring beetles looking for fresh tree wounds on which to lay their eggs and there are plenty of sap beetles lurking to feed on sap oozing from wounds. Sap beetles sometimes carry oak wilt disease spores on their bodies and can infect healthy oak trees while feeding on sap oozing from their wounds. Observing your trees and shrubs and protecting them from accidental wounds means they will be healthy in the future; a happy, healthy tree or shrub is one that does not need a lot of extra water.

After planting, be sure to mulch. Mulch can be one of the best things you do for your landscape. It moderates soil temperature, suppresses weeds (which are water hogs), and helps the soil retain moisture. Apply mulch 3-4 inches deep.