Did you know that the best time to plant fruit trees, and any other deciduous tree, is in the autumn?
In the UK we have traditionally planted trees in the spring thinking that this will give them the best start, but autumn is much better.
“Why?” I hear you ask! Because 80% of a plants root growth happens after it drops its leaves.
Energy Conservation
In autumn the plant wants to protect itself from the upcoming cold weather and so it sheds it’s leaves and sends all it’s energy back down into the roots.
There won’t be enough capacity in the roots for all the energy and so the plant puts out new root growth
Water accessibility
As we all know, plant roots need water to grow. There is an abundance of water available in the soil during autumn and winter.
This allows the roots to thrive and grow throughout the winter and connect with the natural reserves of water in the soil.
Spring is typically the driest season in the UK and newly planted trees will need copious watering to allow them to grow as they won’t have ready access to soil water that established plants would have.
Warm soil
The soil, like the ocean, is warmest in autumn. It has had the benefit of the summer sun and is at peak warmth before starting to cool down over winter. The plant roots thrive in the warm soil and will happily spread out.
In spring the soil at its coldest and uninviting for plant roots. Just think about how quickly your legs recoil if you happen to stretch out in bed in winter and hit a cold spot! Now think of your legs as plant roots and you’ll understand why they like autumn!
Heat Preservation
The single best thing you can do when planting a fruit tree is to mulch all around it. This helps with weed suppression and water conservation.
The other thing that mulch does is provide thermal insulation. A layer of mulch in the autumn will help to retain warmth in the soil and encourage the roots to spread, a bit like a winter duvet.
However, a layer of mulch in the spring has the opposite effect. It acts like a parasol, shading the soil and stopping the soil from warming up.
Evergreens
The only plants that we should be planting in autumn are evergreens as they don’t shed their leaves and can root out anytime.
Get planting!
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get planting! And if you’re looking for some inspiration you can have a look at our Stocklist or pop in to the nursery to talk to Carole and Scott for personal advice. Happy growing!
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