Fall Is the Perfect Season For Planting

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October is a perfect time to plant trees, shrubs and other perennial specimens in your garden.
Not only are most items on sale at your local Nursery, but plants entering dormancy undergo a lot less stress during transplanting. *Remember to always use a 5-15-5 transplanting liquid (diluted as per package) when you water in your new garden additions after planting. It's also not a bad idea to reapply the diluted liquid again in the spring to help give your new plants a gentle boost as they awaken in their new environment.

When selecting the right tree for your property always consider these environmental factors to ensure your tree will grow to healthy maturity and provide you with the benefits, enjoyment, and increased property value for years to come:

Wind
Many trees with fine foliage like a Japanese Maple, can be burned by strong or unrelenting winds. Choose trees which have simple leaves like a Sugar Maple, Blue Beech or Serviceberry.

Water
Does your property have seasonal flooding or ponding in one area or an extreme slope that allows water to quickly runoff? Thirsty trees such as Eastern Tamarak, River Birch and Freeman Maple can handle wet roots, while Red Maple can tolerate wet and dry roots for those tricky areas in your yard.

Salt/ Salt spray
Most plants cannot tolerate the over abundance of road salt here in Ontario, but
Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac, Freeman Maple 'Autumn Blaze' and Staghorn Sumac are some hardy choices that can adapt to a salty location.

Sun/Shade
Determine if your desired tree site is sunny, shady or a bit of both.  Most trees are sun lovers, but Serviceberry, Flowering Dogwood, American Beech and Hemlock are a few that love the shade as much as the sun.

Soil Volume
If you've ever felt bad for a parking lot tree then you already know the effects of low soil volume.  Choose trees carefully when planting near walkways and large patios. The hard surface of stone, asphalt and concrete can prevent water from entering the root zone and limestone under layers can stunt the spread of roots making large trees unstable.  Non-native English Oak and Dawyk Purple European Beech both have a narrow branch spread, thus a smaller root system that will not interfere as much with hard surfaces.
I hope this piece has inspired you to visit the nursery to take advantage of the season and get planting a beautiful tree on your property this fall. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed and want some professional advice, feel free to book an appointment with me and I will be happy to create a custom plan specific to your location.

If you reside in the greater Toronto area, I highly recommend Sheridan Nurseries, for their vast selection (International Grower of the year), exceptional quality and knowledgeable service.

Happy planting!

Laura McBride
Custom Landscape Designer,
Sheridan Nurseries Ltd. 905-479-7429
Sales Representative,
Sutton Group - Heritage Realty Inc., Brokerage 416-798-7278

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