Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant a Tree In Your Edmonton Yard

Who doesn’t love Fall in Edmonton? The leaves paint the town in shades of amber and gold, and the air carries the crispy prelude to winter. Love every bit of it, and so do new trees! In this blog, we’re talking about the perfect time to plant some new trees in your yard.

Stick around as we share why dropping those roots in the fall could make your green thumb even greener and your garden even more vibrant come spring.

Benefits of Planting Trees in Fall

Here are a few reasons why fall is a goldmine for planting your green friends:

• Cooler Temperatures, Happier Roots. It’s not too hot, not too cold—it’s just right for young roots to get cozy and spread out without the stress of the blazing summer sun or the freeze of winter. This chill atmosphere means less sweat for both you and your sapling.
• Moist Soil Magic. Thanks to autumn’s generous morning dews and timely rainfalls, the soil stays nicely moist, making it easy for roots to penetrate deep and settle in comfortably.
• Reduced Plant Stress. With the intense sun taking a break, trees can focus all their energy on root growth instead of fighting heat stress, setting them up for a robust spring burst.
• Transplant Shock. Trees planted in the fall experience less transplant shock compared to other seasons. This allows them to strengthen their resilience against the harsh conditions of summer.
• Natural Growth Cycles. Planting in fall aligns perfectly with trees’ natural dormant phase, encouraging strong root development, which is crucial before the ground freezes.
• Easier Care and Maintenance. With the growing season winding down, you'll have more time to focus on properly planting and establishing your new trees without the distraction of other garden tasks that are prevalent in spring and summer.
• Fewer Pests and Diseases. Cooler weather often means fewer pests and tree diseases, which is a win for young trees that might be more vulnerable early on.
• Efficient Water Use. The cooler temps reduce the need for frequent watering, as lower evaporation rates mean soil retains moisture longer. So, hydration reaches where it matters most.
• Optimal Conditions for Fertilizers. Fall’s cooler weather is ideal for applying certain fertilizers that help trees establish without the risk of burning delicate new roots or foliage, which can happen if it’s done in hotter weather.
• Landscape Planning Benefits. Planting in fall allows you to assess and plan your landscape after the growing season, making sure that new trees are integrated into your garden’s overall design.

Selecting the Right Trees

When picking a tree for your yard, don’t just think about survival. Think about how they’ll complement your garden year-round.

Edmonton used to be a Zone 3A. In the past few years, things have changed a bit, with warmer-than-usual temperatures often moving Edmonton up to Zone 4A. Factoring in the unpredictable weather that isn’t a stranger to Alberta, we can still get winters that may put us in Zone 2b or 3. So you need specific trees that can withstand the extreme weather in Edmonton. Native trees like the Amur Maple, which turns into red in fall, are great choices.

Another option is hybrid trees. These are the overachievers of the arboreal world, bred specifically to maximize growth and resilience in short growing seasons. Look for hybrids like the Parkland Pillar Birch, which shoots up to the sky at an impressive rate, or the robust Silver Maple, which combines the sturdiness of its kin with breath-taking fall colour.

Timing Your Planting Perfectly

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to giving your new trees a fighting chance to establish themselves. In Edmonton, the sweet spot for sinking those saplings into the ground is late fall, specifically, the last two weeks of October through the first week of November.

This timing leverages the cool, but not yet frozen, soil conditions, ensuring your trees can establish themselves ahead of winter's chill. It’s like giving your trees a head start in the race against the elements, allowing them to hunker down and build a robust root system undistracted by the extremes of Canadian weather.

Preparing Your Planting Site

Here’s how to make sure your Edmonton yard becomes a prime real estate for new trees:

• Choosing the Right Spot. Look for a spot that receives adequate sunlight, offers ample space for the tree to mature, and is free from interference by buildings and utilities. We don’t want this to become a problem 3–5 years later.
• Test the Site. Dig a hole about a foot deep, fill it with water, and watch how quickly it drains. If the water stands for more than a few hours, we may need to improve drainage.
• Sunlight Exposure. Evaluate the area for daily sunlight. Most trees flourish in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Digging the Hole. The hole for your tree should be as deep as the root ball but twice as wide. This gives the roots room to expand without struggle. Make sure the tree sits at the same depth it did in its nursery pot or slightly higher to avoid water pooling around the trunk.

You can find more a detailed guide on planting a tree here.

Protecting Newly Planted Trees

After the hard work of planting, here’s how you protect your newly planted trees from Edmonton’s rugged winter:

• Apply a generous layer of mulch around the base of your tree, extending as far out as the tree’s canopy. This not only retains moisture and insulates the soil but also prevents weed growth and protects against soil compaction from frost.
• Sometimes, you may need to use tree wraps for young trees to shield the tender bark from the harsh winter wind and sunscald. This is especially important for thin-barked species prone to cracking in fluctuating temperatures.
• Setting up a burlap barrier on the windward side of young trees can reduce the desiccating effects of cold winds and help retain soil moisture.
• Give your trees a good watering before the ground freezes. This pre-frost watering supplies essential hydration throughout the winter months when the tree’s ability to take up water is diminished. Just make sure to water when the temperature is above freezing, allowing the moisture to seep deep into the root zone.

Ensuring Strong Growth in Spring

As your newly planted trees settle in through the winter, setting them up for a growth spurt in spring is key.

• Keep It Clean. Maintain a clear space around your trees. Remove weeds and any debris that could harbour pests or diseases. This helps prevent competition for nutrients and water, vital for young trees trying to establish themselves.
• Spring Fertilization. Giving your trees a nutritional boost at the start of the growing season can greatly enhance their growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that matches the specific needs of your tree species, ensuring it gets all the nutrients it needs without the risk of burn.
• Monitor for Pests. As temperatures warm, pests begin to emerge. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation and intervene early with appropriate treatments. This proactive approach protects your trees from potential damage and ensures they have the best chance to thrive in the growing season.

Plant a Seed for Tomorrow With Green Drop

Planting a tree isn’t just digging a hole, laying down a tree and wishing for the best. You’re laying down roots for the future – and that needs some effort.

Our team of ISA-certified arborists are ready to help you grow a vibrant landscape in not just Edmonton but Red Deer, Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, and Saskatoon. So, don’t leave the future of your trees to chance. Request a free estimate and see how our tree-planting services can give your yard the arboreal cover you want.