When is the best time to grow trees and shrubs?

In New England, the question I get the most is "when do I plant my tree or shrub?" Really the best time to plant is in the fall because the weather is warmest and will initiate the root ball to start rooting faster. Also there is a shorter time before winter, but enough time to establish and acclimate before hand. Not as long a time period to water and I will get into that later.

That being said it is not impossible to plant in the summer months. Normal summer months of New England consists of fry humid days and slightly cooler nights. The days put more stress on a woody plant and water is key. So planting in the spring is not impossible just harder work. Here are some keys to planting whether it be spring or fall.

Water, water water. The key to planting is watering. In the spring plantings, water with a hose and not a sprinkler and water for about 5-10 minutes a day depending on size of the plant. At least water every other day. With the fall plantings water the same 5-10 minutes a day, but after the winter you will need to continue watering with at least every other day for another year. Spring plantings not as much. The following year is good for an every other to every two days of watering.

When plating make a tree ring. This is a berm of soil that helps pool the water when and soak the root ball. Make the tree ring the same diameter of the root ball.

Use bark mulch around the tree - the same diameter of the root ball. This helps hold in the moisture and keep the roots warmer in the winter.

Water, water, water.

 Here is an example of tree ring.  It shows how the water pools due to the berm.