Fall Is for Planting: Tree Tips for the Dormant Season

In this episode, Ray and Jessica host a pre-holiday conversation mixing seasonal humor with practical horticulture guidance. After swapping Thanksgiving traditions—from deviled-egg weakness to parade-day nostalgia—they shift into a timely deep dive on planting deciduous trees in late fall.

Jessica shares details about a local project planting 29 mixed native trees, highlighting why diversity in species protects landscapes from pests and diseases. The hosts discuss best practices for planting ball-and-burlap, container-grown, and bare-root trees, emphasizing:

• Planting at the proper depth and locating the root flare
• Digging planting holes 2–3× wider than the root system
• Avoiding soil amendments—use native soil only
• Proper mulching (the “donut,” never the “volcano”)
• Preventing mower and weed-eater injury
• When to choose staking—and when not to
• Why fall is best for deciduous trees, while evergreens fare better in spring
• Smart watering: slow, deep, and infrequent rather than daily sprinkles
• Why newly planted trees need 3–5 years of attentive establishment care

Throughout the episode, they trade stories from fieldwork, tree-care mishaps, and municipal plantings, offering relatable lessons for both homeowners and community groups.

They wrap by reminding listeners to match trees to site conditions (size, light, soil, utilities) and to enjoy the upcoming holiday season.

Transplanting Trees and Shrubs

Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees and Shrubs in Your Landscape

Planting Bareroot Trees and Shrubs in Your Landscape

Selecting and Planting Woody Plants

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