Fall Planting – Picking out Trees and Shrubs

Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) Winter Buds ~ Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) Winter Buds
Now through the first frost is the perfect window for planting shrubs and trees, and we’ve got an extensive selection waiting for you! Take advantage of this ideal planting season to enhance your landscape.

What makes this such an enjoyable time to plant?  As we talked about in our last newsletter, plants are focusing on root growth right now while they still have leaves to photosynthesize.  They’re all done growing above the ground for the year, and any excess sugars not used in their roots are being stored in them to use next spring.  Combined with the cooler, shorter days and wetter weather, you’ll find that they need much less watering to stay happy.  For the woody plants that have already gone dormant, they only need enough water to stay moist and to settle the soil around their roots.  They’ll have all winter to acclimate to their new home and be ready to spring up after winter ends.

As woody plants go dormant, you may find yourself hesitant to pick any out.  Their leaves are changing color and falling, and some are already dormant.  How do you know if it’s healthy, or what it will look like with leaves next year?  Fear not, as we can help you pick out exactly what you’re looking for.  The features that should be focused on are the form of the plant, and the presence of winter buds.
Chicago Lustre Arrowwood Viburnum ~ Scarlet Beauty Virginia Sweetspire
If you’re looking for a multi-stemmed serviceberry, for instance, it’s easier than ever to pick one out with the shape you’re looking for.  The same goes if you’re looking for an oak with a nice straight trunk.  How, then, can you tell that the branches are healthy if they don’t have any leaves on them?  Woody plants form winter buds that will produce the next year’s first leaves, and they are already present when the trees lose their leaves in the fall.  They will continue to slowly grow all winter until they are ready to unfurl when longer days and warm weather returns.  Since every plant’s buds look a little different, we can always help you find one with healthy buds that will look great come spring.
We’ve included just a few of the great shrubs we have available now.  Stop by this month to see our full selection!
Red Sprite Winterberry Holly ~ Shrubby Cinquefoil
‘Gemo’ St Johns Wort ~ Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) Winter Buds

October 2024 Newsletter

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