One of the most common questions we hear this time of year is:
“Is it too late to plant a tree or shrub?”
The short answer is no.
While spring is certainly the most popular planting season, it is far from the only time you can successfully add trees and shrubs to your landscape. In fact, container-grown trees and shrubs can be planted throughout the summer and well into the fall, provided they receive proper care after planting.
Why People Think Summer Is Too Late
Many homeowners associate planting with cool spring weather. Bare-root trees and shrubs are only available during a short window in early spring, which contributes to the misconception that planting must be finished by Memorial Day.
Today’s nursery plants are different.
Most trees and shrubs sold at garden centers are container-grown, meaning they have an established root system growing in soil inside a pot. Because the root ball stays intact when planted, these plants experience much less transplant shock than bare-root plants. This allows them to be successfully planted throughout the growing season.
The Key to Summer Planting Is Water
The biggest challenge with planting during the summer is not the heat. It is keeping newly planted trees and shrubs consistently watered while they establish new roots. For the first several weeks after planting:
- Check the soil moisture every few days.
- Water deeply whenever the top few inches of soil begin to dry.
- Avoid frequent, light watering, which encourages shallow roots.
- Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk or stems.
Even established landscape plants appreciate extra water during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Newly planted trees deserve even more attention during their first growing season.
Why Fall Is One of the Best Times to Plant
If you are planning ahead, fall is actually one of the best seasons for planting trees and shrubs in Minnesota. As summer heat fades, cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the plant while the soil remains warm enough for roots to continue growing. Instead of putting energy into producing new leaves, flowers, or fruit, the plant focuses on establishing a strong root system before winter arrives. By the following spring, those established roots allow the plant to begin growing much sooner than a tree planted after the ground has just thawed. Many people are surprised to learn that September and October are some of the busiest planting months for professional landscapers.
What Can You Plant Right Now?
Nearly all container-grown landscape plants can be successfully planted during the summer, including:
- Shade trees
- Ornamental trees
- Evergreen trees
- Flowering shrubs
- Foundation shrubs
- Hydrangeas
- Fruit trees
- Berry plants
The key is selecting healthy nursery stock and providing consistent care after planting.
Tips for Successful Summer Planting
If you are planting during the warmer months, these simple practices will help your new plants get off to a great start:
- Plant during the cooler morning or evening hours whenever possible.
- Water the root ball thoroughly before planting.
- Dig a hole two to three times wider than the container, but no deeper than the root ball.
- Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
- Water deeply immediately after planting.
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Continue monitoring soil moisture throughout the first growing season.
Visit Pahl’s Market
If you have been putting off your landscaping project because you thought planting season had passed, there is still plenty of time.
Our nursery is fully stocked with a wide selection of healthy, container-grown trees, shrubs, evergreens, fruit trees, and berry plants that are ready to go into your landscape. Whether you are looking to create shade, add privacy, improve curb appeal, or start a backyard orchard, our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you select the right plants and provide advice for successful planting and care.
You do not have to wait until next spring. Your next landscaping project can start today.
References
- University of Minnesota Extension. Planting and Transplanting Trees and Shrubs. Guidance on proper planting techniques, root establishment, watering, and mulching.
- University of Minnesota Extension. Watering Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs. Recommendations for irrigation during the establishment period.
- International Society of Arboriculture. Tree Owner Information. Best practices for planting, watering, and establishing landscape trees.
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