Trees and shrubs can add appeal to your landscaping. In the long term, trees can also provide shade to your home or your yard. Fruit trees can even provide food grown right there in your yard. There are many good reasons for planting trees and shrubs. So you may be wondering if there is a good time to plant. The answer is a resounding yes. There are both good and bad times to plant trees and shrubs.
Not in the Summer or Winter
Let’s start with the negative. If you live in central Indiana, you never want to plant trees or shrubs in either of the more extreme seasons. Summer and winter are not good planting times due to the harsh weather. The summer in particular is a stressful time for all vegetation. The heat and lack of adequate water require plants to tap into their valuable stored resources. Since planting is also a stressful event for a tree or shrub, it should not be done at a time of year that is typically taxing. Planting in the winter is not only not advisable, it may also be nearly impossible. Once the ground freezes, it will obviously be hard to dig a hole for planting.
Spring is Okay
Once the snow melts and the rising temperatures allow for the ground to thaw, you can start planting your trees and shrubs. Typically, spring provides a mild climate for planting here in central Indiana. Temperatures are usually moderate, without either the severe cold of winter or the severe heat of summer. Rainfall is generally adequate during the spring season as well. If you choose to plant in the spring, it is a good idea to do it well before the heat of summer sets in. This gives the tree or shrub enough time to become adequately established in the new location before experiencing the stresses of summer.
Fall is Best
While spring is not a bad time for planting, it is not the best. Fall is actually the best time to plant trees and shrubs in central Indiana. The moderate climate of fall ensures that planted vegetation will not be assaulted by the stressors of heat and dryness. Temperatures are falling at that time of year and rainfall levels are usually adequate. This is similar to the conditions experienced in the spring. An added benefit is the coming winter. Trees and shrubs will usually go dormant in the cold winter months. In the spring, trees wake up again to another moderate season. Thus, the tree or shrub planted in the fall has two active seasons in which it can become well-established before the more demanding season of summer.
For those of you who are considering a planting, now is a perfect time to do it. Planting now gives you the best chance of having a healthy tree now and in the years to come. If you have a tree that looks unhealthy or that has been damaged, Ping’s is always available to help. From our arborists to our tree removal experts, our experienced staff can solve your tree problems. Call us at 317-298-8482 or schedule online at your convenience.
This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com