Going Green with New Trees when the World is Going Orange, Red and Yellow

Did you know that fall is the perfect season for creating green, while everything else is going red, yellow, orange and brown? Most people believe that as the leaves fall and trees prepare for winter hibernation that it is the wrong time to go green, but it's actually the perfect season for planting trees.

5 Reasons Why You Should Plant New Trees in the Fall

Purchasing your new greenery during the fall means not only are the leaves falling, but so are the prices. During the fall months nurseries often offer discounts on unplanted trees because they will not survive the winter frost.

The weather is milder in the fall. The heat of the summer is gone and the cold of winter hasn't arrived yet. The milder weather means that more people want to get out and enjoy the pleasant temperatures meaning you can make planting trees a family or friends event. Think of hot apple cider after working outside and don't forget to make everyone a special treat to say thank you!

As our world fills with color (just as it does in the spring) we become more aware of where our yard and landscape could use a little brightening up with the colors of trees.

Roots will establish more quickly than at other times during the year, especially since there are no leaves to feed.

While planting in the fall may require some delayed gratification, consider it an investment on your spring and summer enjoyment. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the blooming colors and cooling shade that your new trees will provide while others are paying more and planting theirs.

Five Eco-Friendly Benefits of Planting Trees

Not only do trees release oxygen and clean the air, but when selecting the right trees and with careful selection of location, planting trees can offer these eco-friendly benefits. The roots systems of trees act as a water filter. Trees seize and reduce carbon emissions, creating a better air quality. They can provide shade in the summer and reduce home cooling needs. Including more trees in your landscape can support native wild life, plants and animals, and native trees are more disease resistant too. In our neighborhood, many families plant fruit trees, like oranges, providing the family with locally grown fruit. I grew up with fresh pears and apples from our trees in the backyard used to create jams, jellies, pies and many other dishes for the whole family.

Tree Planting Tips

First decide the location for your new plants, trees or shrubs. Once you determine where they will be you can decide what type of plant you will need. Will it be deciduous (lose their leaves) or evergreen? Will you want it to provide shade year round? Or will it be used to keep certain insects away from the home, as many evergreen trees can do. Consider your seasons, or if you live in Houston like I do, the lack thereof.

Once you have decided on the location and type of tree, find out more about the type of tree and narrow it down to what you really want to achieve as far as the look and presentation.

To give a tree the best start, start by making sure the hole is dug shallow; only as deep as the root ball. On the other hand, make sure the hole is at least three times as wide as the root system to allow roots to reach out. Till the soil, to allow the trees roots room to grow. Make sure to create a water holding basin around the tree and mulch.

I wish I could say, now you sit back and relax to wait for the full benefits of your tree, but you will need to continue to care for it throughout the winter months, waiting to fully reap the rewards of your beautiful new tree in the spring.

Sources:

Personal Experience

http://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/

http://www.bgky.org/tree/benefits.php

http://www.jstor.org/pss/3858181

http://www.backyardnature.net/leaffall.htm