When Should I Plant? (Part 1 Trees)

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I've had so many people asking about when to plant that I decided to address it in my blog. The question is too broad for one post, so this will be the first in a series of posts on planting times. This post focuses on trees. Bare root trees can be safely planted until they are really leafing out. Most years in SE Idaho that means until the 1st or 2nd week of May. At our nursery, we try to keep the bare root trees in the shade to get an extra week. When it comes to potted trees, the best time to plant is 20 years ago. The second best time is today. You can plant trees any time the ground isn't frozen. When planting trees that were shipped from a warmer climate, use caution. Some trees that are fully leafed out may be damaged by late frosts. At our nursery, we try to bring in our trees when they are dormant to prevent this issue. Using plenty of mulch will help reduce water use on a spring planted tree and protect fall planted tree roots from frost heaving. Happy planting!