Planting a new tree?

Question

I livein zone 9 and was wondering when would be the best time to plant an Ash tree? Now or should I wait until the spring?

Answer 1

I would echo the concern about the Emerald Ash Borer Beatle. Check with your county extension to see if you're in danger. However, that far south, I'm doubting it.

In my opinion, if you can purchase the tree now, it won't hurt to plant it now, and here's why...

First, the tree is already beginning to go dormant, so it's not going to have to work hard to grow a lot of roots or new leaves once planted. It's already in a root-confined state as it is, so it shouldn't hurt it it terms of shock. Just make sure you water it until frost.

Second, if you get it in the ground now, you don't have to worry about planting it too soon or too late in the Spring. It will already be in the ground and will already be there, ready to go when it comes out of dormancy.

I think the question is more one of financial ability and time... do you have both now? Will you have both in the Spring? Planting now should not harm the tree, as long as you plant it correctly and water it until late fall.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if that's a good idea. Although there are several varieties of tree with the common name "ash". The White Ash aka Fraxinus ameriacana and others are under attack by the Green Ash Borer. Do some research on this before you dig now or in the spring. RScott

Answer 3

Spring is the best time to plant trees because spring planting allows trees to get established earlier, grow more, and do better when hot weather arrives. Spring planting is especially important for bare root stock. Most containerized and container-grown stock, as well as balled and burlapped trees, can be planted throughout the growing season, but benefit from spring plantings.

Answer 4

I plant them just after Valentine's day. It is still cool but warming up so that the chance of shock is over.