Fall is the perfect time to plant trees. The tree still has time to react to warmer temperatures and will then harden off with the winter once it is cold.
Some of the best advice you can get on planting trees in Globe-Miami comes from Christopher Jones, the University of Arizona’s Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs in Gila County.
Jones discussed this very topic in September during his Second Friday presentation at Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum.
For those who missed it, GMT caught up with Jones to get the highlights of what you need to know when choosing and planting trees this fall.
Planting drought-tolerant trees makes the most sense
Temperatures are rising, and water is scarce.
Bigger isn’t always better
It’s not necessary to buy a large tree. “Small is good,” Jones says. Trees in five-gallon containers are ideal. The smaller size will allow the roots to get established.
Examine root ball for girdling
“This is your one chance to deal with it,” Jones points out. Girdling is when the roots encircle the base of the tree. It’s usually caused by being root-bound in a container. Loosen the roots if they’re girdled and plant in a wide enough hole for the roots to spread.
Don’t amend the soil.
Put compost on top of soil, don’t mix it into the soil with the tree. Otherwise, the tree can get choosy about where to grow its roots and keep them in the nutrient-rich soil instead of spreading them out.
Only water as needed.
A deep watering of 2’ to 3’ once a month often suffices. Use dripline tubes.
What to plant now
Smaller trees (won’t conflict with power lines): Red leaf plum, crape myrtle, chaste vitex, little leaf ash
Larger Trees: Mexican bird of paradise, Texas mountain laurel, honey locust, netleaf hackberry, hybrid mesquite, velvet mesquite, heritage live oak, desert willow, palo verde, Chinese pistache, evergreen elm
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