The cooler temperatures and increased precipitation of fall make this a great time to start thinking
about trees and shrubs.
Whether blank spots in the landscape, a need for shade or just a desire for added color and texture
throughout the coming years, fall is the ideal planting season for trees and shrubs. Choosing deciduous
plants for a landscape offers a home heating benefits from the sun in cooler months and cooling
potential in warmer months due to shade.
Selection
Once planted, trees and shrubs will be a part of the landscape for decades. Shop with a plan to avoid
wasting valuable time and money. Consider the climate, available space, and design of the landscape when
making a selection. For added interest, experiment with a variety of low-growing evergreens in various
heights, colors, shapes and textures.
Trees, shrubs and ornamentals can provide a home with many landscaping solutions:
• Foundation plantings-Use evergreens for great foundation plantings in the landscape.
• Strong vertical forms at the entrance of a home-Pyramidal yews and junipers may be used in this case.
• Shield from the weather-Large conifers planted on the west or north sides of open space can reduce wind
and heating costs.
• Splash of color and beauty-Broadleaf evergreens, such as holly, azaleas, and rhododendrons, produce
flowers or berries and maintain their leaves throughout winter.
Planting
The combination of warm soil and cool, fall air stimulates root growth to help trees and shrubs get
established before frost hits. Look for them in containers, bare-root, or with root balls (called
"balled-and-burlapped"). Planting is easy. Follow a few simple steps:
• Give room to grow. It is a common mistake to plant trees or shrubs too close to each other or
surrounding structures. Remember that fully grown trees may interfere with the foundation or wiring of a
home or drop leaves into the gutter.
• Start Digging. Dig a hole that is deep enough for the tree’s roots to sit on solid dirt, with the soil
line slightly above ground level. If the tree is bare-rooted, dig the hole at least six inches below the
soil line, keeping the roots surrounded by loose soil.
• Fertilize and Plant. Trees and shrubs need a good home in the soil, with lots of nutrients. Mix one
part yard soil with one part soil amendment, such as commercially produced supplements. Make a small
mound in the center of your hole and place your tree or shrub on it. The soil line should be slightly
higher than ground level. If your tree has a root ball, untie and start filling the hole with the soil
mixture. Tamp the soil gently as you go so that there is a slight depression around the base for
catching water.
Advice
Consult your local nursery for recommendations when selecting plants. Incorporating plants native to your
region are typically easy to grow and help attract area birds and wildlife to the yard. As a general
rule, choose plants with healthy, vigorous top-growth that have a good root system and no signs of
disease, pests, or damage.
