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Fall is for planting trees, shrubsBy Tara McKnight Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent, horticulture, Wichita County Fall is officially here. The first day of fall (or you can call it autumn) was Sept. 22. With fall comes many opportunities to get outside and change up your landscape. One major activity that we encourage everyone to do in the fall is plant trees or shrubs. The reason for this is that your newly planted trees have this fall, winter and spring to get their roots established and get used to the area you are planting them in before our hot summer temperatures arrive. Although, there are a few things you need to consider before you plant your trees and shrubs. First, always buy with the plants mature size in mind. You don't want to plant a tree that reaches 30 feet wide at maturity only 10 feet from your house. This only causes more problems for you in the future. Purchase a tree or shrub that will reach the size you need it to be at maturity. It may look a little small in the space at first, but be patient. It will grow. It is better to let plants grow into the correct space than having to prune them every year to keep them under a certain size. Buy plants that are adapted to our area. Just because a plant is beautiful in East Texas does not mean that it will look like that here. Also, if you want a plant for a particular trait (say fall leaf color or spring blooms) buy the plant at that time of year. This will let you see if the plant has the particular trait you want. One item to remember in regards to fall leaf color: The color of most leaves depends on our fall temperatures. The faster we go from summer to winter, the less time the tree has to change its leaf color, thereby making the color less that year. When we have a nice long and cool fall, you will have better leaf color in your trees. When purchasing a tree, ask where it came from. Try not to purchase trees that were brought in from areas that have different growing conditions. Some trees can be dug up in one area of the county, put into a pot and sold in another part. This is always something you should look out for. Other items to check for that could cause you problems in the future are rotted or dying roots, damage to the trunk or branches, a broken root ball, any girdling (circling) roots, and disease or insect problems. You want to make sure that you bring home the healthiest tree or shrub you can possibly get. Before you take your newly purchased tree home, check and see if the nursery has a guarantee policy. If they do, make sure you understand that policy. And lastly, be careful when you transport your new tree or shrub home. You don't want limbs flapping in the wind. Cover the plant with something if you can and drive carefully home. Last thing you want to do is buy a beautiful tree and get it home with most of its limbs broken. Next time we will discuss the proper way to plant your newly purchased trees. Your garden and landscape questions are always welcome. You may either contact me at our County Extension office, 940-716-8610, or by e-mail, tcmcknight@ag.tamu.edu. You are always encouraged to visit the Wichita County Master Gardener website at www.overthegardengate.org. Another great website to visit for very useful garden hints and answers is http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/. This article, along with every article, will also be featured on www.joetomwhite.com 24 hours a day under county agents. 10/6/08 Date: 9/29/08 Advertisement
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