Now’s the Time: Give Fruit, Nut Trees & Shrubs a Head Start - by Carol Sanders

First posted on 11-19-2008

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Fall planting of fruit and nut trees gives them a head start over those planted in the spring, says Dr. Dr. Obadiah Njue, Extension horticulture specialist with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program. Fall planting should be done after the danger of long warm spells is past, so the tree doesn’t burst into growth just ahead of winter, advises Dr. Njue.

As the air cools, the soil remains warm and the roots grow until the ground freezes. Then as growing conditions improve the following spring, the trees are ready to grow. They are not held back by limited moisture and nourishment from a root system that is just getting started. The earlier established root system better prepares the plant for the spring flow of sap to the upper part of the plant which allows for faster growth.

“Fall planting also gives trees and shrubs a chance to get over the shock of transplanting and prepares them for a better spring establishment,” says Dr. Njue.

Fruit trees and shrubs purchased from a mail order nursery are usually shipped bareroot. If you buy them locally, you can sometimes choose between bareroot or potted ones. Although potted trees seem more appealing to buyers, they are not superior to bareroot trees whose roots have been kept moist, says Dr. Njue.

When you get your tree, keep the roots moist - both before and after putting them in the ground. Dr. Njue advises soaking the roots for at least 30 minutes before planting. If the tree is grafted or budded, be sure the bud union is raised 2 inches above ground level during planting. The bud union is where the scion meets the rootstock when trees are grafted or budded. The scion is the detached shoot containing buds from a selected woody plant used in grafting. It is grafted onto the rootstock, the part of the grafted plant that becomes the root system.

Trees and shrubs planted in the fall should get the same care as those planted in the spring. The root system should have plenty of room in the planting hole. New plants should be watered thoroughly and pruned properly. Pruning the newly planted trees is essential for a good start. They can be pruned when planted or in the spring.

After planting in the fall, apply a winter mulch to prevent freezing and thawing cycles, which cause the plants to heave and can kill the plants. A winter mulch should be a loose material, such as straw, which allows air filtration.

Dr. Njue also advises selecting only plants adapted to your area and consulting an Extension associate or agent for specific information and cultural practices for the trees or shrubs planted.