When is the best time to plant a tree or a shrub? A guide to fall planting in New Jersey

For those thinking about adding a tree or shrub to their landscape, fall is a great time while the soil is still warm to plant many different types of ornamentals.

There are a few exceptions for some plants that are difficult to transplant, so for some it would be best to wait until early spring, but generally, with the soil still warm, planting now allows many different trees or shrubs to establish good root growth before the first frost. Establishing that good root growth prepares the young plant for the stress of heat next summer.

We regularly get inquiries at our Extension Office about planting trees and shrubs. We provide information on which trees and shrubs are best transplanted in the fall or spring. Overall, though, we like to promote planting native species. There is a myriad of reasons that native species should be considered, including the fact that they provide food, shelter, and homes for many types of wildlife, such as pollinators, small animals, and birds. Also, native plants are generally easier to care for and require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

After deciding on a certain native species for your landscape there are other important considerations needed prior to purchasing. Many problems can be avoided if an appropriate species is selected for a specific site.

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First, determine where you wish to add the new plant and then consider the size of the desired plant at maturity. Do not select a plant that will eventually outgrow its site. Then determine the sun exposure. Is it in full sun or partial sun or is the site in full shade? This will aid in determining which species to select.

Another critical issue to consider is the soil conditions. The area for a future plant should have the soil tested for pH and nutrient deficiencies. Most woody plants grow satisfactorily with a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Information on soil can be found at njaes.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab/. Generally, loams and sandy loams provide the best soil structure for plant growth. Other conditions that should be considered prior to your purchase are wind conditions and any potential utility issues.

Once you have determined the desired plant, its site, its soil, water, light, heat, wind and other prevailing conditions, it’s time to visit the garden center or nursery. Before any purchase, read and understand the guarantee and return policy. Generally, reputable nurseries and garden centers will guarantee a tree or shrub through the first growing season.

Let’s suppose you have decided on a red maple, which is a medium-sized, cold-tolerant deciduous tree native to New Jersey. This is a beautiful shade tree but should not be planted too close to sidewalks or driveways, since the tree has a shallow lateral root system, which may cause buckling of pavement. Make sure to soak the roots before planting because it primes the root system and rehydrates the tree after being in a container.

Proceed to dig the hole, it should be large enough to house the entire root system. Maintain the same planting depth as the nursery container. After that, fill the hole with water then sprinkle in root booster, an amendment to stimulate rapid and vigorous root development. They are available at any reputable nursery or garden center. Then remove the maple tree from the container and set it in the hole. Add or remove soil to keep root depth level. Backfill with native topsoil and attempt to fill any air pockets.

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You now need to water until pooling occurs. Once it drains away, water again. Finally, provide a 3-inch layer of mulch over the soil surface extended as far out as the spread of the branches. This will enrich the soil and insulate the roots from temperature fluctuations.

Unless the site is exceptionally windy you may not need to support a newly planted tree. The natural movement of the trunk by the wind stimulates root growth and increases trunk caliper more quickly than with staked trees. If you do have windy conditions and decide to stake and use guy wires, they should be removed after one year.

Red maples are prone to sunscald. To prevent this use a trunk wrap, also available at the nursery or garden center. Sunscald is splitting and cracking to the bark caused by exposure to the sun and can be life threatening to the tree. Trunk wraps can also prevent vole feeding and deer injury. Only use the trunk wrap for the first season after planting.

You should check soil moisture of the newly planted tree at least once a week. Soil that is moist or damp to the touch is fine. If the soil begins to dry out, water the plant thoroughly. Do not overwater. You can easily drown newly planted trees through too much tender loving care with the hose.

If you have any questions regarding your landscape, we are here to help you. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County is located at 4000 Kozlowski Road in Freehold. Our main number is 732-431-7260. Our website is www.njaes.rutgers.edu/extension.

Dennis McNamara is an agriculture program associate at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: When is the best time to plant a tree or a shrub? A guide to fall planting in New Jersey