When is the best time to plant a tree?

Question

I live in the Southwest and it's hard to have a green thumb with this kind of weather....which kind of tree is best for our climate? I want to plant a nice shady tree in front of my yard,,,we get the shade in the morning and sunlight in the afternoon....any good advice?

Answer 1

You did not indicate whether you wanted a deciduous tree or a evergreen tree, so it is hard to point you in the right direction. The classic deciduous shade tree is the fruitless Mulberry or the Chinese or Siberian Elm. If you want an evergreen, Magnolia Grandiflora or even a grouping of queen palms will provide shade. Trees in containers can be planted throughout the year with adequate watering.

Answer 2

Everyone's answers before me are great, I'll add a good little trick I learned from a real ole good gardener long ago. When he planted a new tree or shrub he would take a plastic jug and drill a few small holes in the bottom( really small holes) and fill it with water and sit it next to the newly planted tree. This would slowly water the tree all the way to the roots like todays drip systems.It helps alot and saves you time standing there with the hose in your hand. Just refill every other day and there you go.

Answer 3

Well, if you go to your local garden store like Lowe's or something they will have a variety of trees well suited for your zone. I would look for a tree that has a wide growth habit and relatively disease free. Best time to plant any perennial is in the spring or fall.
Given that you live in the southwest you may be in or near my planting zone so some trees you might consider are:
Elm, Birch, Pecan, or Pear. Check with your local nurseries though to make sure.

Answer 4

I live in the Midwest and the best time to plant a tree is either early spring or fall. The summer months are not good for planting a tree. I cannot assist you with the type of tree unfortunately.

Answer 5

Fall -- probably mid-October for you. The big issue with planting any new tree / plant (besides soil pH levels) is the soil temperature. You can plant something in the middle of the summer, water it thoroughly (not drowning the plant), and it may STILL die because of soil temps that are too high for the young roots to endure.

Answer 6

Late fall or early spring/late winter- when the tree is dormant.

I live in a very, very warm, desert region of California and my shade trees have done well.

Go to a nursery in your area, they'll know what does best in your region. Just remember to water the you-know-what out of it when it gets hot until it's well established.

Answer 7

between dec. and march.there are so many trees.one of my favorite shade trees is an american elm or oak. check to see how big the tree will get when mature. don't plant to close to a building or under powerlines etc. do a web search on shade trees.