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I have a maple seedling about a foot tall. It has not been planted in the ground yet, but it has changed color to its fall colours. It's is in a small pot. Since I may have missed the window to plant it in he ground, can you tell me what is the best way to save tree.. ? Can I plant it now, if so, what are musts.. And if I cannot, what is best way to keep it healthy?

J. Musser
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Michelle Breedon
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    Where are you in the world? – Bamboo Sep 25 '15 at 17:45
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    I overwinter maple seedlings that range from two to twelve inches in pots that are dug into the ground and covered with soil. So you can winter it over and plant in spring if you want – kevinskio Sep 25 '15 at 18:58

2 Answers2

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Yes, go ahead and plant it. It's actually better for it to be in the ground over winter anyway, as it helps protect the roots. Planting trees in the fall is a common practice, your tree should do just fine. Just make sure it stays well hydrated, until the ground freezes, so you don't get winter burn. A light mulch (~3") of organic matter is beneficial too. Do not fertilize until the tree is well under way the following year. You can damage the roots, plus you don't want to push any new growth this fall.

Other than that, follow the general proper tree planting methods, and make sure it's got plenty of room.

J. Musser
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Rule of thumb is you can plant trees in any month with an R in the name.

That means even December and January are good months to plant if your ground isn't frozen solid.

As J Musser said, fall is best. Not only does it protect the roots, the roots will continue to grow slowly over the winter and the tree will be MUCH better established before the brutality of summer begins.

Escoce
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  • So trees are like mussles.... thanks, learned something new! – Stephie Sep 27 '15 at 09:37
  • That rule of thumb doesn't go for all locations... my style of gardening == ignore all rules and do whatever I judge best xD – J. Musser Sep 28 '15 at 16:16
  • True, Southern Hemisphere would need to reverse the months and not plant during November - February, but the rule of thumb is just that. It's a rule of thumb. If you want to plant a tree in June, go for it. But be prepared for the tree to need a whole lot of water and may still die anyway from heat exhaustion. – Escoce Sep 28 '15 at 17:00
  • Depending where you are located, yeah. Where I am (PA, zone 6b) I can plant them all summer... – J. Musser Sep 29 '15 at 21:40
  • I lived in Iowa zone 4b (3b microclimate) and late spring and summer wre horrid times to try. There were some tricks but those tricks aren't usual practices – Escoce Sep 29 '15 at 21:43