Get It Growing for 11/08/24

If you’ve been thinking about adding a tree to your yard, now is the time to do it. And if you haven’t given it much thought, now is a perfect opportunity to consider planting a tree.

Trees, in short, are great. They can significantly enhance the aesthetics of your landscape — which often translates into improved property value. Their sprawling root systems help prevent soil erosion and reduce stormwater runoff. They provide shade, which can help keep home energy costs down. Trees also provide shelter for our feathered friends and a host of other critters.

In Louisiana, the best time for planting many trees is November through February. This is because a tree will endure much less stress if it can get established during cooler temperatures. Putting down roots is hard work for a young tree — and most gardeners would agree that it is far easier to do demanding outdoor chores now than in the heat of summer!

You can plant almost any tree this time of year. The only trees you should avoid planting now are figs, olives and other species native to warm, tropical climates. Wait until late February or early March to plant these.

When it comes to trees, you have a wide range of choices. There are big and small trees, deciduous and evergreen trees. Some trees bear fruits and nuts while others are prized for shade or ornamental appeal.

So before you head to the garden center, think about what kind of tree you want. Are you interested in something that will eventually grow into a large shade tree? Maybe you’d prefer a petite ornamental species such as a dwarf Japanese maple or a small flowering tree like the Taiwan cherry. If you would like to plant a tree that has proven storm resilience, consider a bald cypress, pond cypress, Southern magnolia or live oak.

Each of these trees has a different growth habit, so do your research and choose one that will fit your landscape — and make sure to leave plenty of room to grow! Seriously: Give this matter some careful thought. Trees are prominent features in the landscape, and some can live for many decades. Buying and planting a tree requires a thoughtful approach; it’s a bit more monumental of a decision than, say, picking up a smaller shrub or some plants for a flowerbed.

Once you figure out what kind of tree is best for you, you’ll be ready to make an informed purchase. At the garden center, carefully examine the available trees before selecting one to take home. Much of a tree’s growth habit is already established by the time it is shipped to retail nurseries, and while some problems can be corrected after purchase, it’s always best to look for the finest quality first.

Here’s a checklist you can take with you when you go tree shopping:

1. Does the tree have a straight, dominant leader? In other words, can you follow the main trunk up from the pot to the very top as a single straight line?
2. Are there any new or old accidental wounds on the trunk that could cause problems down the road?
3. Are the tree’s young branches evenly spaced around the entire tree, or is one side flat and missing branches? Next, look at the branches themselves. Are they growing straight out or slightly curved upward? Avoid crooked and downward-facing branches unless the tree is a weeping cultivar.
4. Slip off the pot and look at the roots. Do you smell a foul odor? This could be because of rotting roots, which of course would be undesirable. Ensure the tree is not potbound (when roots are too big for the pot and grow in a spiral-like pattern).
5. For grafted trees like Japanese magnolias, look at the graft union. Does it appear to be healthy?
6. Be sure there are no obvious signs of plant stress caused by diseases or insects, such as visible leaf scale.

After you bring your new tree home, plant it properly. You can learn more about this process in the LSU AgCenter’s Native Tree Growing Guide for Louisiana. Find it by visiting www.LSUAgCenter.com and searching for the publication title. Though the focus of this guide is native species, it is a wonderful resource that includes broadly applicable information on site selection, planting and tree care.

LSU AgCenter horticulturist Jason Stagg offers suggestions for picking out a tree at the garden center.

November through February is the best time to plant many types of trees in Louisiana. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter

When shopping for a tree to buy at a garden center, look for one that has a straight, dominant leader. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter

Carefully inspect the branches of trees before choosing one to purchase. Make sure they are evenly spaced around the entire tree. Branches should grow straight out or slightly curved upward except in the case of weeping cultivars. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter

Avoid selecting trees that have wounds. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter

To get a look at a tree’s roots before purchasing, gently slip it out of its container. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter