My sons removed 27 oleander bushes this past Spring and Summer and now I want to plant trees. Is it too soon? I found 2 at a Nursery Liquidation for $99.00 each and they were in wooden boxes. One was a pear tree and the other was an ornamental plum tree with those beautiful pink flowers in spring and maroon leaves in the summer. They are to be placed in my back yard which faces southwest. Thank you, Jeanie

Hi Jeanie, to All Things Plants!

What area of the country/world do you live? I'm in Florida and have been known to plant trees even in the heat of summer which works well as long as the plants get sufficient water but some trees are best planted in fall or spring. If you can give a little more information about the area you live I'm sure someone will be able to offer advice on the best time to plant your new trees!

Again, Welcome! I hope you find time to pop into a few of the forums that you find of interest and introduce yourself!

Lin

Hi Jeanie and WELCOME to ATP

You might want to listen to this podcast from Dave and Trish as well. It covers lots of information about planting trees.

http://garden.org/ideas/view/d...

So sorry, I thought this post was in Arizona!!! Yes nice and hot Arizona! The tree(s) would be planted in my back yard (southwest) and I live in zone 13. Thank you,Jeanie

Where is climate zone 13 please?

Phoenix Arizona

September is just around the corner. I know you will probably be warm in Arizona but I would plant then. Just be sure to water well a couple of times a week for 4-6 weeks. That should get them settled in. Also consider visiting a local nursery and asking them their advice. Most are very happy to answer any questions.

To ATP!

Warm welcome from the Pacific NW. I agree with Claudia, your best advice will be from a local reputable nursery or yard service, who will be familiar with your particular micro climate. There is always an optimal time to plant, but sometimes we have to work around that, and the key (in my opinion) is to water DEEPLY at least 2-3 times. You may also want to shade them from the harsh afternoon sun and/or drying winds (if you have any) until they get established, although you will be the better judge of that in your particular site. Good luck, sounds lovely.

Hi Jeanie. Welcome to ATP. So glad you found your way here.
Looks like you have already been given some great advice.

Oh, and as far as watering newly planted trees, there was a great tip (I'll see if I can track it down) about setting a 5 gallon bucket with a small hole near the bottom to slowly and deeply water new trees.

Ah, here it is: http://garden.org/ideas/view/p...

Thanks for all your help. I like that 5 gallon watering idea. Can't wait to start gardening in September.

Jeanie, try to plant that plum where it is out of the wind. It's a beautiful tree, but hot wind will tatter the leaves.
I'm in Kansas, where we have lots of hot wind. . but my middle daughter lives in Phoenix and I do remember how hot it is there in September! If the tree is in a box, how big a hole do you have to dig? Do you have someone to dig or are you using heavy equipment?
You might even consider putting a large patio umbrella next to the tree for a few days after planting just to help it out. Spray the leaves a tad to cool it off on hotter days for the first few weeks...but don't drown the tree.
My purple leafed plums will absolutely wilt on hot days, but it's not lack of water. It's just heat stress, so don't assume it's thirst when leaves droop.
And, to ATP!

What great ideas. I was fortunate enough to have the Nursery plant the tree for us as it was a 24 gallon tree (200 pounds). It does look stress even though I am watering it properly but I am guessing it is the heat. Can't wait for it to cool down a bit here in Arizona. Then we can begin planting again and harvesting in late November/December. Thanks again, Jeanie