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The Importance of Timing: Why Planting Trees and Shrubs in Hot Weather Can Be Detrimental
We hope you’ve been watering, because the drought this summer has been particularly brutal on our local landscapes! When it comes to landscaping and gardening, people often do not consider the best time to plant trees and shrubs. In general, planting new trees and shrubs can have a positive impact on your landscape, and the environment too! However, taking this task on during the hot season can cause more harm than good! Today we will discuss the negative effects of installing new plants in the summer, as well as the best time to take on this type of task!
Water Stress and Drought
One of the primary reasons why planting is discouraged during the summer is the significant risk of water stress and drought. Hot weather intensifies evaporation, causing moisture to evaporate quickly from the soil. Newly planted trees and shrubs have shallow root systems. As a result, they are not yet capable of extracting water from deep in the ground. This leads to the tree or shrub being unable to absorb sufficient moisture, which ultimately leads to dehydration and stress. The lack of water can cause many issues in their growth and development and can even lead to irreversible damage or death!Added Stress
Another detrimental factor associated with planting trees and shrubs in hot weather is high temperature stress. Extreme heat can negatively impact the plant's physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, transpiration, and nutrient absorption. The hotter the weather, the less efficient these processes become, making it difficult for the plants to properly use the sunlight or sustain themselves. The stress also weakens the plant's immune system over time. Once this happens, your trees or shrubs can be more susceptible to damage from pests or diseases.Get to the Root of the Problem!
Once a tree or a shrub is planted, time is needed for their root system to be properly established. Hot weather poses significant challenges to this process. It can be difficult for the plants to grow their roots deep into the soil. Hot and dry conditions inhibit root growth, making it harder for the plants to anchor themselves securely. This also limits their ability to extract necessary nutrients from the soil.The Best Time to Plant
To ensure your trees and shrubs thrive, it is essential to choose the right time for planting. But when is the best time? You’ll have the most success during the dormant season, which typically occurs in late autumn, winter, or early spring, depending on the region. When the soil is cooler, the roots have a more conducive environment for development. Cooler temperatures and increased moisture levels minimize stress and enhance the plant's ability to establish a robust root system, preparing them for the challenges of the upcoming growing season.