Planting - Knowledgebase Question

Winston-Salem, No
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Question by ahodgson4
March 12, 2010
When is the best time to plant a red maple tree? Spring or Fall. Is there anything else I need to know?


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Answer from NGA
March 12, 2010
Technically you can plant landscape trees and shrubs anytime the ground is not frozen. For maples, early spring works well. It gives the tree a chance to establish its root system before the summer weather arrives (and slows growing to some extent). When you plant your tree, dig a hole just as deep and slightly wider than the nursery container. Lay the tree on its side and gently pull it out of the container, then loosen the roots by working your fingers through the root ball. Set the tree in the hole and backfill with the soil you took out of the hole. Tamp it down and water it well to help settle the soil. It helps to build a watering basin around the tree. Water by filling the basin, allowing it to drain, then filling it a second time. This concentrates the moisture directly over the rootmass and allows it to trickle down, wetting the entire root ball. Water once each week and your maple should thrive.

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