How Late to Plant Trees in Missouri

Planting trees in Missouri is a great way to improve the aesthetics of your property, as well as the environment. However, timing is crucial when it comes to planting trees in Missouri. The best time to plant trees is in the fall or early spring when the soil temperature is cooler, but what if you missed that window? How late is too late to plant trees in Missouri? Let’s explore:

Planting Trees in Late Spring

If you missed out on the fall or early spring planting season, you can plant trees in late spring, around May or June. However, it is important to know that planting trees during the summer season can be a bit more challenging as the heat can cause water stress to young trees. Therefore, you need to be extra careful to ensure that the tree gets enough water throughout the day to help it establish roots and grow properly.

Planting Trees in Summer

Planting trees in the summer can be done, but it is not recommended. The extreme heat can cause trees to go into shock, which can be detrimental to their overall health. Trees that are planted in the summer will require extra care to ensure they do not dry out and die. It is advisable to wait until the cooler fall or spring temperatures before planting trees. If you must plant trees in the summer, keep them well-watered and try to plant them in the early morning or late evening hours when the sun is not at its highest point in the sky.

Planting Trees in Early Fall

The ideal time to plant trees in Missouri is in the fall, especially between late September and early November. During this time, the soil temperature is still warm enough to allow for root growth, while the cooler air temperatures prevent the young trees from experiencing heat stress. Planting trees in the fall also gives them enough time to establish roots before the winter season sets in, which is crucial for their overall survival.

Planting Trees in Late Fall

Planting trees in late fall can be done, but it’s not ideal. The later it gets into November, the more likely it is that the ground will freeze, making it difficult to properly plant the tree in the ground. Moreover, the trees may not have enough time to establish roots before winter, which can lead to their death come spring.

Conclusion

Planting trees in Missouri is a great way to add value to your home and beautify the environment. The best time to plant trees is in the fall or early spring. However, if you missed that window, planting in late spring is acceptable, but planting in summer is not recommended due to the extreme heat. Late fall planting can be done, but it’s not ideal because the ground can freeze, making it difficult to properly plant. Keep in mind that trees need to establish roots to survive, and the more time they have to do this, the better their chances of survival.