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tree planting, too late?

5K views 9 replies 10 participants last post by  ckliff 
#1 · (Edited)
I’m Maryland, just above DC. Last night I finished digging out the stump of a tree I recently cut down. I would like to plant another tree in its place. Is it too late in season to do it now? The hole is there now, so I’d rather not fill it in and re-dig in the spring if I can do it now (yes, I'm lazy). It might also help my girlfriend think I’m a little less evil for having cut down a tree.

Also the previous tree had white worms, I suspect larvae of some sort, and ants in it. Is there anything I should do to protect the new tree from the same fate?

I haven’t decided on a species yet, but am considering a flowering cherry tree.
 
#4 ·
Some trees can be planted in early fall, but if you're going with a fruit, it's best to plant late in winter or early in spring. I think what you're describing is cutworms which are more numerous in heavily grassed/ weeded areas or untilled gardens. Your new tree can be protected with an open-ended tin can shoved into the ground around the stem. Also would help to plant lots of flowers around the base of the tree. As for the ants, you can make a spray mixture of half vinegar & half water to be sprayed directly onto anthills or wherever they are located or plant mint, sprinkle cream of tartar or stick some cloves into the ground. Good luck & God Bless! :)
 
#5 ·
I'm sure it makes a difference what kind of tree you're planting but my experience has been that it's better to plant in the spring. The trees that I planted in the fall seem to not come out of dormancy until very late, nearly summer.
 
#6 ·
We are on the eastern shore of MD and we planted new trees the week after thanksgiving last year. They're doing great heading to their 1 year anniversary. If I recall, it's a little colder in the winter in Scuba's neck of the woods.
 
#8 ·
One Caution...

As others have stated you are good to go right now and for up to another month or so. Just put a Fat Albert Spruce in the ground Sunday here in Western PA. So timing isn't an issue...but...

My understanding is that it is not a good idea to plant a tree right where one was recently removed as it will struggle and possibly not make it. I think it is recommended to wait a few years...but I'm not an expert so suggest you corroborate this with another source for your particular situation.
 
#9 ·
What ever you plant, and whenever you plant it, it is always good to install some root watering units, which is simply a tube with a bubbler attached. These should be installed on both sides of the tree trunk approx at the edge of the canopy, then attach your irrigation to them. This promotes good oxegen and water circulation for a healthy plant growth. Trees are stronger when they go deep for their water too. Rain Bird has what they call the "RWS" Series, check their web site.
 
#10 ·
Fall is best time, spring is good too. Bare root is considered best, or spaded, or ball & burlap. Avoid containers as they may be root bound & girdled.

Most common lethal mistake - planting too deeply. You want to see base of trunk "flare-out" at ground level. When looking at trees to purchase, if base looks like straight utility pole in ground - choose another.
 
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