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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: Rob Beets, Marketing
Specialist |
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Don’t “Fall Back”
Now—Spring Forward for Beautiful Plants Next Year Truth is, you know that come March, that old
yearning will be back—wouldn’t it be nice to have some of the work already
done? And get better results? Autumn is actually the best time to plant some
of a home environment’s most important assets: perennials, shrubs and
especially trees. Putting these plants in the ground during the
fall serves several purposes. Most important, it gives them a chance to get
their roots established in a new site. It’s an adjustment they won’t have to
make in the spring and hot, dry summer, when their energies are better spent
growing, blooming and resisting insect pests and diseases. Fall planting
gives these plants a head start, which leads into the second benefit: they’re
much more likely to bloom the first year if planted in the fall instead of
the spring. Fall plantings succeed well from October right up until the
ground freezes, which in Fall is also a great time to drive around and
discover the plants you wish you had turning red, orange, yellow and purple
in your own yard. If you can clip a little switch of the plant, leaves
intact, you can take that to a local nursery or garden center and show the
grower what you want. People count on their maples and oaks, especially, for
fall color, and there are so many varieties it can be hard to know exactly
which kinds provide the colors and characteristics you want. Red maples are a
shorter lived variety of maple, lasting 50-60 years, compared to the slower
growing sugar maples, which can live 70-80 years. Generally, faster growing trees
have softer or more brittle wood, making them more susceptible to breakage,
pests and disease, shortening their lives. So which plants are best? A thorough checklist of
personal preferences and environmental restrictions can answer that question:
How much space will this tree eventually take up? How much sun will it need?
Will it drop some unwanted seed or fruit? Will the roots tangle into
underground pipes or cause mowing problems if they snake along above ground?
Will it grow well in this region? Locally grown plants ensure that purchases
have the best chance of surviving in Tennessee, since they haven’t been
stressed by being transported for long distances and they are already
accustomed to Tennessee’s climate. Choosing plants not appropriate to Landscaping is an investment; it affects the
value of property for several reasons. Trees provide wind breaks and sun shade,
food and shelter for wildlife and aesthetic benefits for home and community.
Well-placed trees keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Among the trees proven to stand up to Other small trees often chosen for their autumn
beauty include the Pacific Sunset Maple, Amelanchier and Sourwood. Small
trees with a better chance of flowering in spring if planted in the fall
include White Fringetree, crab apple and Saucer Magnolia. No matter which trees are chosen for fall
planting, some basic guidelines apply. Watering is very important, especially
in early autumn before the fall rains begin. Use mulch to help trees retain
moisture. Go ahead and fertilize with a root stimulator when planting,
especially in the fall, because roots can still develop and grow during the
winter even as the rest of the tree rests. Some
traditional lines of thinking have changed in recent years, so be sure to ask
for the latest planting information. For instance, root balls are made so
much broader now that a shallower hole is recommended. The top of
the root ball should be the top of the ground, so be careful not to not to
plant too deep. Also, research shows that staking trees is a
detrimental practice. Tree trunks actually become stronger when the trees are
allowed to sway and resist winds. If necessary, use stakes through the root
ball to help pin the tree in position. Now, while the weather is mild and while existing
plants still have their foliage, look carefully at the effect plants create
in your home environment. Decide where replacement trees will go, where more
texture and color are needed, and then enjoy a final outdoor planting project
before winter weather drives everyone indoors. You’ll be guaranteeing that
springs and falls will be even better for years to come. For a list of local plant growers or more
information on fall plants, visit www.picktnproducts.org
and click on Nursery Products or contact TDA Market Development at
615-837-5160. ####
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