When Is Too Late to Dig Pine & Spruce?
Evergreen trees such as pine and spruce often work well in a number of landscape applications. Pine and spruce add year-round color and texture to a yard, especially during the often-barren winter season. These trees also work well for creating windbreaks and hedges on the property. The key to growing healthy pine and spruce trees begins with transplanting. Successful transplanting may be compromised by planting trees in the wrong season or when ground conditions are not ideal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Do Your Research
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The North Dakota State University rates both pine and spruce trees as medium to high success rates when it comes to transplantation. Though these plants are likely to survive moving sites or an initial planting in the yard, homeowners may increase the likelihood of success with some research. At the nursery, ask the knowledgeable staff about the proper planting site, soil conditions, and wind and sun conditions for the specific trees you select. Also, look for healthy stock, free from browning needles, dry soil, brittle branches or insect infestations.
Season
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After selecting healthy stock and determining the correct site to plant the trees, homeowners must determine the proper season for planting. Late summer to early fall is the best time to transplant pine or spruce, as the trees may experience browning if planted too close to when the ground freezes.
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Christmas Trees
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Though it is best to plant pine, spruce and other evergreen trees in the early fall, trees may survive when planted at any time as long as the ground is not frozen. Each year, many American families choose to purchase a live evergreen tree for planting in the year after the holiday season. To prepare for planting a live Christmas tree, Colorado State University Extension recommends selecting a site and digging a hole prior to the ground freezing. Use unfrozen, fertile soil to backfill the hole.
Other Care Tips
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While storing trees prior to planting, keep the root ball moist by wetting it down with a hose. Keep Christmas trees indoors for a maximum of seven days prior to planting. Dig holes by hand with a standard garden shovel. Dig a hole slightly deeper than the size of the root ball. Fill the hole back in with fertile soil and then add a layer of fiber mulch. Provide regular watering to help encourage root growth and function. Soak the ground with a hose every seven to 10 days. Avoid using fertilizer for one year after transplanting to allow plants to recover from transplant shock.
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References
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