When to Plant Landscape Trees in Spokane

If you're planning to add new trees to your Spokane landscape, timing is crucial. Planting at the right time can help guarantee success, while planting at the wrong time can result in wasted effort and a dead or struggling tree.

Spring Planting

Spring is a popular time for planting landscape trees in Spokane. As the ground warms up and the days get longer, trees will start to come to life and sprout new growth. The ideal time to plant trees in the spring is between mid-March and late May, just as the soil begins to thaw and the risk of frost has passed.

If you wait too long into the spring season, you run the risk of planting during a hot, dry period when the soil has become hard and compacted. This can make it difficult for new trees to establish themselves, potentially leading to transplant shock and root damage.

Fall Planting

Fall is another great time to plant landscape trees in Spokane. As temperatures cool down and the days begin to shorten, trees will start to enter dormancy and conserve energy for the winter months. This makes it an ideal time to plant trees because they won't have to deal with the added stress of extreme heat and drought.

Planting in the fall also gives the newly-planted tree ample time to establish its root system before the next growing season. The best time to plant trees in the fall is typically between late September and early November, before the ground has frozen and the first snowfall has occurred.

Winter Planting

While it's not recommended, it is possible to plant trees in Spokane during the winter months. However, planting during this time requires more planning, preparation, and care to ensure the tree's survival.

If you decide to plant in the winter, make sure to choose a mild day when the ground is not frozen. This will allow you to dig the hole more easily and the root ball won't dry out as quickly. You should also be prepared to protect the tree's trunk and branches from sunscald and frost damage.

Final Thoughts

The best time to plant landscape trees in Spokane ultimately depends on the species you're planting and the current weather conditions. However, in general, planting in the spring or fall is recommended to give your new tree the best chance of survival and establishment. Make sure to do your research beforehand and pay attention to weather patterns to ensure that you're planting at the optimal time.