Here's the short answer: plant trees when they have enough time to establish roots before they're exposed to stresses like high heat, low temperatures or not enough water.
Basically, you have two seasons that work for tree planting: spring and fall.
When to plant deciduous trees
You can plant a potted or balled tree in the spring, as soon as the frost is out of the ground, right up to early summer. As spring shifts into summer, there is more heat and less rainfall, so watering is more important. It is not advisable to plant in the summer months, unless you plan to pay close attention to frequent watering.
If your tree is bare-root, newly potted or is being transplanted, then plant only very early in the spring before the buds open. You can also plant potted or balled trees in the early fall, and even up to the stage of leaf drop. At that point, it’s still OK, as the tree will focus on growing roots right up until freeze-up.
When to plant evergreen trees
You can plant them early in the spring, right up until early summer. Evergreens are prone to desiccation and will lose needles if left to go dry for a long period, that is, until they get established.
Evergreens can also be planted in the early fall, giving them enough time to establish roots before winter. Late fall planting is not recommended, as their root reach is limited before winter freeze-up, making them prone to losing moisture through their needles and browning.
How to plant a tree
Something to consider when you are planting: the roots of your tree have been previously pruned or are confined in a pot and, after you plant it, the tree is trying to grow both leaves and new recovery roots at the same time. Your tree is tapping into whatever reserves it has stored, and it is necessary that you give it everything it needs to take off.
5 steps to successfully plant a tree
- Make a hole about 2-3 times wider than the pot or ball. The depth should be close to the height of the soil in the pot.
- Mix the native topsoil with a quality mix, along with a high phosphorus starter fertilizer (middle number).
- Apply MYKE Tree & Shrub near the roots to help with rooting.
- Water well before filling the hole.
- When filling, make a raised ring with leftover soil around your planting hole to help contain water. When the tree is established, you can remove it.
PRO TIP: You can also use a transplanter liquid such as PRO-MIX ROOT BOOSTER 5-15-5 or a soluble fertilizer with MYKE. Mix it in a pail and pour the liquid straight into the planting hole before filling it, soaking the plant roots.
