When to Plant Evergreen Trees in Illinois

Evergreen trees make a beautiful addition to any landscape with their needle-like or scale-like leaves that stay green all year long. They add a touch of color and texture to your property while providing shade, privacy, and shelter to your pets and wildlife. If you're planning to plant evergreen trees in Illinois, you should choose the right time to do so to ensure their growth and survival. Here's what you need to know about when to plant evergreen trees in Illinois.

The Best Time to Plant Evergreen Trees in Illinois

In Illinois, the best time to plant evergreen trees is in the fall, from mid-September to mid-October, or in the spring, from early April to early May. These two seasons provide the ideal conditions for evergreen tree growth and establishment.

In the fall, the soil is still warm, which promotes root growth, and the trees have time to establish their root system before the winter frost. The cooler temperatures and lower humidity also reduce the risk of stress and damage to the trees. Moreover, planting in the fall allows you to take advantage of the sales and discounts offered by nurseries and garden centers that need to clear their inventory for the winter season.

In the spring, the soil is moist and warm, which encourages root growth and helps the trees to recover from the winter dormancy. The longer daylight hours and milder weather also stimulate the trees' metabolism and photosynthesis, resulting in faster growth and greener foliage. However, planting in the spring may be more challenging due to the wet and muddy conditions and the competition with weeds and other plants that emerge at this time of year.

Factors to Consider When Planting Evergreen Trees in Illinois

Before planting evergreen trees in Illinois, you should consider several factors that can affect their success and health:

The soil type and pH: Evergreen trees prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). If the soil is too sandy, clayey, or alkaline, you may need to amend it with organic matter, sulfur, or other soil conditioners to improve its texture, fertility, and acidity.

The sun exposure and wind protection: Evergreen trees need full to partial sun exposure to thrive, but they also need protection from strong winds that can damage their branches and needles. You should choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and is sheltered by natural or man-made barriers such as fences, buildings, or windbreaks.

The water availability and drainage: Evergreen trees need regular watering to establish their root system and to cope with drought conditions. You should water the trees deeply but infrequently, avoiding overwatering that can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. You should also ensure that the site has good drainage and does not get flooded or waterlogged, as this can suffocate the roots and cause water stress.

The species and cultivar selection: Evergreen trees come in many species and cultivars that differ in height, width, shape, color, and cold hardiness. You should choose a species and cultivar that suits your landscape design, climate zone, and soil type. Some popular evergreen trees for Illinois include white pine, Norway spruce, blue spruce, arborvitae, juniper, and yew.

Tips for Planting Evergreen Trees in Illinois

To plant evergreen trees in Illinois successfully, you should follow these tips:

Prepare the planting hole: Dig a hole that is slightly wider and deeper than the tree's root ball to allow for root growth and aeration. Loosen the soil around the hole and remove any rocks, weeds, or debris that can hinder the tree's development. If the soil is poor, you can add some compost, peat moss, or aged manure to enrich it.

Plant the tree at the right depth: Place the tree in the center of the hole and make sure its root collar (the spot where the roots meet the trunk) is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with the amended soil and gently tamp it down to remove any air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch around it to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Water and fertilize the tree appropriately: Water the tree deeply once a week during the first growing season, and then reduce the frequency to once a month or as needed. Avoid overhead watering or splashing the foliage, as this can spread diseases and wash away nutrients. Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and follow the dosage and application instructions on the label.

Prune and protect the tree regularly: Prune the tree in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and to shape it as needed. Avoid over-pruning that can make the tree vulnerable to pests and diseases. Protect the tree from deer, rabbits, and other herbivores that may browse on its foliage by installing fences, repellents, or netting.

By following these guidelines for when to plant evergreen trees in Illinois, and how to select, plant, and care for them, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of these majestic trees in your landscape for years to come.