Show #113 - Tree Planting Season: Why Fall Is the Best Time to Grow, Feed, and Strengthen Your Landscape

Fall Tree Planting Season: Nature’s Root Growth Celebration

It’s tree planting time!
As we move past October 22nd, all plant and tree energy shifts underground. This marks the beginning of the root growth season, when 80% of trees’ and lawns’ roots grow during the six coldest months of the year.

Now is the time to fertilize heavily, plant wisely, and prepare your landscape for long-term success.

The Power of November Feeding

November feeding boosts root growth by 200–300%.
Ideal fertilizers include:
- Fertilome’s Start-n-Grow (19-6-12)
- Anderson’s (18-6-12)
- Plant trust on Turf Trust (excellent for lawns and trees)

Pro Feeding Tips

Apply fertilizer up to the trunk but keep it 1 inch away from contact.
Always place fertilizer under the mulch to stay moist on dry days.
Forget the “drip line” myth — feed close to the trunk for best results.

Supercharging Flower Bud Set

Many trees and shrubs are only performing at half their potential. Heavy food, water, and mulch dramatically increase productivity — especially for Dogwoods, Peonies, Lilacs, and Rhododendrons.

Pro Tip: Super Phosphate Magic

Use Super Phosphate (0-45-0) granules in the root zone, not on top.
Drill or stake small holes into the root ball, drop in 3 tablespoons, and water deeply.
One application lasts 15 years and transforms growth buds into flower buds.

Also, remember to pinch new growth tips (not trim!) once they reach ½” to encourage branching and even more blooms.

Feeding Rules by Tree Type

Evergreens maintain foliage all year, so their root balls are 60% larger and they need 60% more fertilizer than deciduous trees.
Lawns and trees get 1½ times a normal feeding rate; shrubs and perennials get a standard rate.
After feeding, mulch and apply Gallery to prevent 150+ types of winter weeds for 9 months.

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant Trees

Planting trees in fall means:

Cooler temperatures = less water stress.
Nature does the watering as roots grow all winter.
By spring, your trees are established and thriving.

Fun Fact: Plants Grow by Color Speed

Red grows the slowest.
Pink grows faster than red.
White, lavender, and purple grow the fastest.

This color-speed rule applies across many plant families — from azaleas to trees.

Featured Fall Tree All-Stars

Styrax japonica (Japanese Snowbell): Fragrant, pest-free, and available in pink or white forms.
Redbud ‘Ruby Falls’: Weeping red-leaf beauty and one of today’s most popular choices.
Dogwood ‘Cloud 9’ & Kousa Dogwood: Hybrid and hardy selections for more blooms and durability.
Japanese Maples: The crown jewel of fall color with over 75+ varieties at Betty’s Azalea Ranch!

Top Picks:

Trombley’s Red Sentinel – superior upright form
Coral Bark Maple – vivid red bark
Red Dragon Laceleaf – deep red color that lasts into summer

These living works of art can grow from a $50–$200 investment to be worth $10,000–$20,000 with just moderate care.

Huge Fall Tree Sale at Betty’s Azalea Ranch!

Celebrate the season with 30% off all deciduous container trees, including:

Japanese Maples
Redbuds
Shade Trees
Fruit trees

Plus, 30% off balled and burlapped trees (cash & carry), including:

Maples
Japanese maples
Redbuds
Magnolias
Crepe Myrtles

Also enjoy major savings on Holly, Camellia, Boxwood, and flowering shrubs.
Visit BettysAzaleaRanch.com or check our ad in The Washington Post for current deals.

This Week’s Garden Checklist

Bring in tropicals and annuals before frost. Spray Summit’s Green Armor ($9.88) to repel insects — one spray lasts up to 7 washings.
Fertilize and lime your lawn: Heavy feeding and 40 lbs of lime per 1,000 sq ft correct pH and discourage weeds.
Add iron boosters like Preferential Treatment for deep green color and improved root growth.
Keep leaves off shady lawns: They block sunlight and smother grass. Try the Catchy Can ($54.44) for fast leaf cleanup.
Plant fall color: Pansies, violas, cabbage, and kale add instant brightness.
Add buried treasures: Plant bulbs — tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths — for spring blooms.
Refresh containers: Add pansies or dwarf evergreens for winter interest.
Control weeds: Use Fertilome’s Weed Free Zone down to 45°F with Wilt-Pruf. For tough weeds, Decimate works in cold weather when Round-Up won’t.

Final Thoughts

Fall isn’t the end of the gardening year — it’s the beginning of next year’s success.
Feed, plant, and protect now, and your trees will reward you with strong roots, vibrant growth, and incredible blooms all spring long.