Planting trees & shrubs in autumn

TREES & SHRUBS

AUTUMN PLANTING

Fall officially starts on September 21, but the autumn planting season in our area begins in early September as temperatures drop and conditions become favorable for planting.

Trees planted in the autumn have a major obstacle they must overcome. In a short period of time the ground will freeze and root development will come to a halt until next spring.

A properly planted tree of shrubs is better able to withstand
the harsh conditions of winter. 

To help roots prepare for winter, trees and shrubs should be planted before October 1st, which is six to eight weeks before the ground freeze occurs in our areas. This gives the root systems time to adjust before the ground is frozen in mid-November.

When you plant, take the time and give your trees every advantage you can. 

The plant label will give you information about soil requirements, sun, watering, and
height and width when mature.

Research your tree to see if it has 'special' requirements such as soil and location.

Often people can't imagine the size a tree will be when it matures.
Sadly, they plant them too close to houses and structures.
Often these plants must be removed when they are reaching their peak.

 Always make sure you break open the root ball. This will enable the roots to spread out in search of water and nutrients.

For more see information see  blog post "Roots" posted on 4/26/18

Trees planted in autumn need regular watering for the first few weeks. Newly planted shrubs struggle to get water from the ground to the tips. Watering will help your plants achieve this major function.

Children can build memories and a respect for nature when
included in the process, such as filling in the soil. 

Mulching in autumn is also essential. While mulch is important in spring and summer to suppress weeds and control moisture, mulching in the winter keeps the ground frozen. 

For more information on go to blog post "Proper Mulching"
posted on 5/13/17 

When the ground thaws during winter warm spells, it can spark new growth which is then subject to damage when the ground refreezes. To avoid this problem plants are best mulched when the ground is first frozen in early winter.

Conifers (evergreens) can be damaged by winter winds, snow and sun. Good planting practices will help these landscape plants survive the brutal months ahead.

Most importantly give your plants a  good beginning by supping the proper soil.
For more information see post 'Start With The Soil" posted 3/16/14

You can help protect young evergreens by spraying them with an 'anti-transpirant' for extra protection from moisture loss and winter kill. 

Happy Autumn,                                       
James

mulching properly

PROPER MULCHING 
SAVES TIME, MONEY, AND PLANTS

 There are multiple types of mulch to choose from: Chips, nuggets or shredded as well as
color choices from natural to red or black.. 

Mulching your landscape has many benefits for your garden, but the reason most homeowners mulch is to give their property a dramatic finished look. Your plants and flowers pop out with mulch.

No only does mulch add impact, it also creates an outline that makes mowing faster and easier. 

Properly used mulch suppresses weeds, keeps the soil moist, and maintains the soil temperature. This will help keep your plants healthy and reduce maintenance, especially weeding during the summer months. 

Usually one or two inches of mulch with 5 inches of space between the base of trees and/or the stems of shrubs is a good rule of thumb. Three inches on areas that have never been mulched before will help suppress weed seeds from germinating.  

The main functions of mulch are to suppress weeds, maintain moisture and control
fluctuating soil temperatures.

Mulching trees and shrubs is a recommended cultural maintenance method with many benefits, yet it can literally kill plants if mulch is applied improperly.

VOLCANO MULCHING KILLS TREES AND SHRUBS

A mountain of mulch, piled high against the tree trunk, does not kill a tree immediately but will result in a slow death. Over-mulching is a waste of mulch and money. It is a leading cause of death for azalea, rhododendron, dogwood, boxwood, mountain laurel, hollies, cherry trees, ash, birch, linden, spruce, and many other landscape plants.

Mulching  properly has many benefits, but "volcano mulching" sets your trees and shrubs on the
path to a slow death.
    

How does over-mulching kill trees and shrubs?

·        Lack of oxygen to tree roots. This is especially common in the spring and the fall, which are critical periods for root growth, and during other wet periods. Symptoms may take several years to appear.

·        Inner bark death. This comes from the piles of mulch placed directly against the stems/trunks of trees and shrubs. (This can also happen to trees planted too deeply. Carefully follow directions when planting trees and bushes.)

All living things on Earth require water and oxygen, including plants.
Volcano mulching suffocates roots at the base of your trees. 

·        Fungal and bacterial diseases. Moisture is required to spread and reproduce these diseases. Trunk diseases gain a foothold into the moist, decaying bark tissue under the mulch. Once established, the disease organisms ultimately invade the inner bark, starving the plant and finally killing the tree.

Mulching protects trees from the 'dreaded lawn mower disease'
Damage done to the base of  trees from being hit by lawn mowers and weed whackers.
This is a major cause of death of  Dogwoods and other trees.

·        Excess heat. This is created when wet mulch starts to heat up and begins to decompose the lower bark. 

·       Rodents such as mice and voles. These creatures live under the warm mulch in the winter and chew on the nutritious inner bark. Often this goes unnoticed until the following spring when the "tree doesn’t look good”.

In newly mulched areas a layer of 2 sheets of  wet black & white newspaper
helps to suppress weed seeds and saves mulch.
  

Information in this article is from Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS099 Deborah Smith-Fiola, Agricultural Agent, Ocean County

Happy Gardening,                                              

       James