Get expert tips on which trees are the best for planting in spring, plus why it matters.
This guide explains all the factors to consider, according to tree experts.
You’ll also find essential tips and insights into why the planting time matters.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
And you’ll get expert recommendations for specific types of trees to plant in spring.
With some trees, however, spring is the clear winner.
The following spring, the trees are more apt to produce flowers and possibly fruit.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Bare-root treesare perhaps the most sensitive to seasonal fluctuations.
The digging process cuts most of the trees roots, leaving the roots in the field.
Spring planting gives bare-root trees an entire growing season to replenish the root system before winter.
Credit: Erica Dines
Thats because fewer resources are available for root growth when stems are actively growing.
The following spring you could see better flowering and fruiting.
American Hornbeam
American hornbeam(Carpinus caroliniana) has deep, coarse lateral roots.
Credit: David Speer
Once planted, it’s difficult to transplant elsewhere because its roots don’t do well with disturbance.
It offers fiery fall color and interesting smooth gray bark.
It’s hardy in Zones 3-9.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Ginkgo
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) transplants easily but may take longer to establish itself.
It is adaptable to different soils and has fewpest or disease issues.
Magnolia
Magnolia (Magnoliaspp.)
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Canadian Hemlock
Canadianhemlock(Tsuga canadensis) has shallow roots that could be easily damaged in transplanting.
Also called Eastern hemlock, the species is hardy in Zones 3-7.
Sweet gum grows 60-75 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 5-9.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Tulip Tree
Tulip tree(Liriodendron tulipifera) roots are fleshy and sparse.
There are cultivars with variegated leaves, as well as some that have unique or more compact growth habits.
Tulip tree is hardy in Zones 4-9.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Yellowwood
Denny Schrock
American yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) has deep, coarse lateral roots.
It also boasts bright green summer foliage followed by attractive yellow fall coloring.
American yellowwood is hardy in Zones 4-8.
