Ask different people when is the best time to plant trees in Ohio and you’ll get different answers. Most will automatically reply that spring is the best time for planting simply because it’s the most common time. But what about the rest of the year?

Many arborists and landscapers agree that planting trees in fall is better than in spring. Why? One reason is that in the fall trees can establish new root systems easier because they don’t have to share water and other nutrients with their leaves. Plus, their roots grow better in the cooler soil temperatures.

The fall planting season in Ohio begins in early September and runs through November. In a previous blog, we discussed how fall temperatures and conditions are optimal for trees. Here are some professional landscaping tips from Five Seasons Landscape Management that confirm why fall is a great season for planting trees.

4 advantages of planting trees in the fall:

1. Transpiration is low
   Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant. Low transpiration in the cooler months of fall allow plants to conserve more water than in warmer months.
2. Root generation is high
   There is a high potential for root generation in fall so plants can anchor into the ground and absorb water from the soil easier.
3. No damaging heat
   The moderate to cool fall temperatures won’t damage plants like hot weather can.
4. More time to establish roots
   Planting in the fall gives plants three seasons to develop their roots before the hot, stressful summer comes along.

Which trees grow best in Ohio?

With so many trees to choose from, how do you know which type is best for your yard? From fruit trees to flowering trees, the Midwest provides the perfect climate for many tree varieties to thrive. Here are some examples of trees that are easy to grow and maintain in Ohio.

What are the best fruit trees to plant in fall?

Wouldn’t it be great to walk into your backyard and pick a crisp, delicious apple from your very own apple tree? How about a peach, nectarine or plum? Some fruit trees only produce fruit in spring and summer while others may produce fruit all year long.

• Apple Trees
  You may not get any fruit the first year and only small apples the second and third years, but mature fruit will appear as the trees age and keep growing for years to come. Try planting different varieties, like red and golden delicious.
• Peach and Nectarine Trees
  Like apple trees, peach and nectarine trees may not bear fruit in the first few years. To speed things up a bit, keep in mind that transplanted trees will grow better than if you start from seed.
• Plum Trees
  Plums vary in color and size, but generally the flavor is sweet. The Superior plum tree and the Green Gage plum trees are cold hardy and productive. The American plum tree can reach 20 feet high by 25 feet wide so make sure to plant it where it has room to grow.

Which flowering trees grow best in the Midwest?

White, pink or red blooms add beauty and drama to any landscape. Spring-flowering trees come in many sizes, from dwarf ornamental trees to tall and sturdy shade trees. Here are some popular flowering trees to consider adding to your landscape.

• Dogwood Trees
  Flowering Dogwood is one of the most favorable ornamental trees in Ohio because it looks great during all four seasons. Flowers bloom in early spring, crimson foliage emerges in fall, and large floral buds round out the winter.
• Crabapple Trees
  Whether they’re wild or sweet, crabapple trees are present all over Ohio. With fragrant white/pink blossoms, the fruit may be bitter on its own but can make delicious jellies and jams.
• Japanese Kwanzan Cherry Trees
  Kwanzan flowering cherry trees are covered in vibrant red flower buds that bloom into double pink flowers in early spring and maintain a good fall color with orange leaves and a smooth red bark.

They can grow to be quite tall, providing welcoming shade in warmer months.

Benefits of planting trees

There are many benefits of planting trees. Shade trees, for example, help reduce your home’s cooling costs, reduce soil erosion in your yard and increase your home’s curb appeal. Fruit trees are not only beautiful, they’re also delicious.

Planting trees in fall, rather than spring, gives them more time to get settled and establish their root systems before the hot and harsh summer temperatures come along. Contact Five Seasons Landscape Management if you have any questions or need help deciding which type of tree is right for you and your yard. Once planted, our professional tree care services ensure your trees stay healthy and reach their full potential.