Fall is for PLANTING!
Fall is one of the best times to plant trees, shrubs, and vines in East Texas—so get to digging!
Once summer’s intense heat begins to fade, conditions become much more comfortable for both gardeners and newly planted landscapes. The soil remains warm enough for root growth even as cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the plant.
Fall also gives newly planted trees, shrubs, and many perennial vines valuable time to begin establishing their root systems before the heat of the following summer arrives.
Just remember that fall and winter rainfall isn’t guaranteed in East Texas. Newly planted trees and shrubs still need to be checked regularly and watered when the root ball and surrounding soil begin to dry.
Why Is Root Growth So Important?
A healthy root system is essential for taking up the water and nutrients a plant needs. The better established those roots are before stressful weather arrives, the better prepared the plant will be to handle changing conditions.
During the cooler months, many deciduous plants have little or no active top growth, but their roots may continue developing whenever soil temperatures are favorable. Evergreens may also continue establishing roots even though their above-ground growth has slowed.
Give Your Plants a Head Start on Summer
Trees and shrubs planted in spring can certainly be successful, but they have less time to establish before facing an East Texas summer. Plants installed during fall or winter have the advantage of spending several cooler months developing roots before temperatures climb again.
That doesn’t mean a fall-planted tree or shrub will be completely established by its first summer. Continue monitoring moisture and providing supplemental water as needed throughout the establishment period.
Plant It Right From the Beginning
No matter what time of year you plant, proper planting makes a big difference. Dig the hole wider than the root ball but no deeper, and position the plant so the top of the root ball sits at or slightly above the surrounding soil level—especially in areas with heavy or poorly drained soil.
Water thoroughly after planting and add a 2″–3″ layer of mulch over the root zone to help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Keep mulch pulled away from the trunk or stems rather than piling it directly against the plant.
Take Advantage of Cooler Weather!
If you’ve been planning to add trees, shrubs, or perennial vines to your landscape, fall and winter can be excellent planting seasons here in East Texas. You’ll avoid the worst of the summer heat while giving your new plants valuable time to begin establishing roots before their first hot summer.