Can you plant trees in the fall in Wisconsin? As your local tree experts, we can assure you that fall can even be the best time to plant some tree types. Read on to explore the advantages of planting trees in the fall and why this season is an optimal time for tree establishment in Madison, WI.
Benefits of Planting Trees in Fall
With Wisconsin’s four distinct seasons, the timing of tree planting becomes even more crucial. When deciding when to plant trees in Wisconsin, spring often takes the spotlight, but fall offers equally—if not more—favorable conditions for many trees. Here’s why:
- Cooler Temperatures: Fall gives your trees time to settle in before the intense summer heat arrives. As trees enter dormancy before winter, they require less attention and care.
- Consistent Rainfall: Though fall isn’t the rainiest season, Wisconsin still enjoys steady rainfall during this period. The combination of cooler weather and consistent moisture creates the ideal environment for your trees to thrive.
Proper Planting Techniques
Selecting the right time is just the start. To set your new tree up for success, let’s review how to plant a tree in autumn.
Correct Planting Depth for Different Tree Species
The depth of your tree’s planting hole is essential to its long-term health. When digging your hole, focus on making the hold wider rather than deeper. Instead of digging deeper, focus on making the hole wider. A good rule of thumb is twice the width of the root ball and just deep enough for the tree’s roots to sit at ground level. This way, when the soil settles, your tree will be at the perfect height.
How to Prepare the Planting Hole
Before placing your tree, mix the excavated soil with leaf compost at a 2:1 ratio to provide your newly planted tree with a nutrient-rich foundation. After carefully spreading out the roots and applying a mixture of root stimulator and water to the root ball, place the tree and fill it with your soil mix. Finally, water the soil to get rid of any air pockets and you’re good to go.
Essential Care Practices
Thanks to the cooler weather, you’ll likely not need to water your trees as much after planting in the fall. If your area saw 1 inch of rainfall within the last week, then you’re all set until next week. During the summer months with the extreme heat and drought-like weather, you’ll find yourself needing to go out and water your trees rather than the rain doing it for you.
Mulching your newly planted trees acts as a protective layer, helping to prevent diseases and keep your trees’ roots warm. When mulching your trees, make sure to avoid “mulch volcanoes” at the base of the tree. Extend your mulch tree circle a couple of feet around your tree, covering the dirt you previously excavated and filled in.
Throughout the year, you’ll need to keep an eye on your trees to make sure they are growing and remain healthy. Our tree care experts offer year-round tree care and maintenance services to help homeowners protect their trees so they can flourish.
What Trees are Best Planted in the Fall?
Some trees thrive more than others when planted during the fall. Here are some of the best trees to plant in fall, including their unique characteristics and growth requirements.
- Sugar Maples: Known for its stunning fall foliage, the sugar maple provides shade while growing up to 80 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Wait 50 years and it can even be tapped for maple syrup.
- Northern Red Oak: With its vibrant red leaves, this tree grows moderately fast, growing up to 75 feet tall and 40 feet wide. This tree is resistant to air pollution, sale, and heat, making it a low-maintenance tree. In 40 years, you can even expect acorns to start falling.
- Kousa Dogwood: This spring-blooming tree sets roots in the fall, preparing for a beautiful flower display in the warmer months. On the more compact side, this tree only grows up to 25-40 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide.
Start Planting!
By following these steps and choosing the right tree species, you’ll set your landscape up for long-term success. Ready to add new trees to your property this fall? Schedule a free consultation with our certified arborists to discuss the best tree options for your yard. Already know what trees you want? Shop our selection online!
