Yes, You Can Plant Trees, Shrubs, & Perennials in the Winter in East Tennessee
Anna Montgomery
As the late Lisa Stanley advised her customers: It is not too late to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials in the winter if you are willing to do what is required to meet the particular plant’s needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Is the ground easily workable and not frozen? Then you should be fine to plant.
Can you keep the new tree, shrub, or perennial watered after it is planted? The first few weeks after planting are a critical time period for establishing the root system that will sustain your plant. If the winter weather we are experiencing includes plenty of rain, you are in good shape. If we are having a warm spell with temperatures in the 60s, and 50s, and no rain, you will need to water heavily in the first few weeks. As Rocky Stanley advises, water to the roots. Watering to just wet the soil at the top level is not enough. Water to ensure that the roots receive what they need to encourage them to expand and support a healthy tree, shrub, or perennial.
What about fertilizer? Yes, you will need to provide the right nutrients to the plant. If you are planting a new tree or shrub, follow Monte Stanley’s best planting practices and include a small Espoma Biotone Starter Plus package. This organic fertilizer will give your plant everything it needs to flourish in the critical early, root-growth time period. Why?
Bio-Tone Starter Fertilizer:
Grows larger root mass to help plants establish fast
Reduces transplant loss
Promotes bigger blooms
Is a microbe-enhanced, all natural organic fertilizer with no sludges or fillers
One caveat on planting trees in winter. Use caution with planting evergreens in winter. Unlike deciduous trees and shrubs, evergreens hold their foliage in winter, and it can be difficult for them to establish their roots while preserving the moisture required for their needles. If you have an evergreen that you have used as a Christmas tree and need to plant it in winter, give our tree and shrub experts a call (865-573-9591) to see how you can best protect the tree and give it its best start.
Remember winter is a dormant time for many plants, so they require less water because they are not in their active growth stage.
Most pests are not active in the winter making it another advantageous time to garden.
It is good to consider planting in fall or early winter to give plants, trees, and shrubs time to grow their roots before they face our hot, dry East Tennessee summers. The health of a plant is in its roots, so establishing the roots is paramount.
Have questions? Give us a call at 865-573-9591; we will be happy to help.