Plant a Tree this Fall
When typical autumn conditions arrive, the weather turns cool and with lots of rain the soil conditions become perfect for tree roots to establish themselves; this makes fall the best time to plant a tree. It is time to choose the right tree for the yard at your home or cottage.
Trees are well known for improving air quality, providing wildlife habitat, growing food, and increasing property value. Their ability to combat climate change, reduce energy needs and improve our physical and psychological health is clear.
Many of us have a favourite tree species that we’d like to see in our yard, however, it is best to understand the planting location before choosing a species to plant there. The more you know about your yard, the easier it will be to select a species that will thrive there.
Just like people, trees are particular about their living conditions. It is best to find a good match between the tree’s requirements and the conditions present in your yard. Soil type, moisture, sun, and exposure are all important factors which will affect tree growth.
You can start by understanding the soil so that you are able to plant species that will grow healthy roots. Is the soil heavy and wet? Is it dry and gritty?
If you don’t know much about your soil, you can look for some clues about its consistency. For example, when you water plants in your yard, does the water soak in quickly? If so, it is likely to be a sandy or gravelly soil; on clay, water will sit longer and soak in after some time.
You can gain more information by digging up a small sample. Clay feels lumpy and sticky when it is wet; sandy soil feels gritty; silty soil feels soapy; and loamy soil is spongy. A handful of soil with a high clay consistency will form a shape in your hand when you squeeze it in your fist, whereas sandier soil will break apart.
When choosing a planting location, you will want to consider the tree from its roots all the way up to the canopy. If the planting location is in a low lying area which remains moist, you will want to plant a species that will thrive with ‘wet feet’ as its roots will be moist for extended periods of time. Trees that grow well in more moist conditions include Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor), and Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
Up to the canopy – how much sun will the tree receive? Some trees are tolerant of shady conditions while others are not and need full sun to prosper. Consider Honey-Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) or White Birch (Betula papyrifera) for full sun and Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) or the stunning Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) for more shady locations.
Consider choosing a species that is native to our region. They have developed complex evolutionary relationships with other native species, grow well in local soil conditions and have adapted to the area’s unique climate.
It is always beneficial to plant a diverse range of species. With a changing climate, we are able to consider planting a broader range of trees and shrubs which are now able to thrive in the Peterborough area. For example, planting Carolinian forest species, which typically thrive in more southern regions, allows even greater biodiversity; Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata), Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus), and Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) are unique trees able to grow in sites protected from bitter winter winds.
Whether you are planting a tree to increase shade, attract birds, beautify your yard, grow food or reduce flooding, there is a lot to consider. Mark your calendar and visit GreenUP Ecology Park at 1899 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough for the Autumn Tree Sale to choose the right tree for the job. It is on Saturday, October 5th 10am to 4pm. Sale species and prices will be available at Ecology Park on sale day only. Staff will be on hand to answer your questions and help you choose the right tree for your yard.
For regular Ecology Park Garden Market hours, visit greenup.on.ca/ecology-park
By Karen Halley, GreenUP Communications & Marketing Specialist
