This question was submitted by Sara. Researched and answered by Advanced Master Gardener Bruce.
What is your question for a Master Gardener?
What is the best time of year to plant trees (not evergreen or fruit trees) that are purchased from a nursery? Is there special soil mix to use when planting them? New Palestine IN area.
Thanks Sara for your question on tree planting. Spring and fall are the best times to plant trees. Since there is a better selection of trees in the spring, I would take advantage of the selection and plant in the spring. When planting a tree or actually anything, do not plant if the ground is soggy or overly wet. Planting in soggy soil will alter the soil structure (even clay soils) which will add stress to your tree. When planting the tree, backfill with the soil you dug out of the hole. Spread mulch on top of the soil and it will work it’s way down to help break up the clay soil. Plants that grow through different types of soil will not grow as quickly as growing through the same type of soil even if it has high clay content. Attached are a couple of videos from Purdue on planting trees. Lindsey Purcell is probably the best authority in the state on trees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5rUgd7BmiA&t=72s
I hope this helps. If you need any additional information, contact us again.
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Bruce
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