Can You Plant Evergreen Trees in the Summer?

If you're looking to add some year-round greenery to your garden or landscape, evergreen trees can be a beautiful and practical choice. These hardy trees retain their green needles or leaves throughout the year, even in winter, making them a great option for privacy screens, windbreaks, and decoration. But if you're planning on planting an evergreen tree in the summer, you might be wondering: can you really do that?

The Short Answer

In short, the answer is yes, you can plant evergreen trees in the summer - but there are some important considerations and guidelines to follow. Summer planting can be more challenging than planting in the fall or spring, but it's not impossible. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Choosing the Right Tree

First and foremost, you'll want to select a tree species that is well-suited for summer planting. Some evergreens can handle the heat better than others, so do your research before you buy. Some species that are generally good choices for summer planting include:

Red cedar

Eastern white pine

Norway spruce

Colorado blue spruce

Black spruce

These trees are generally hardy and can manage to establish roots in warmer weather.

Preparation is Key

Before you plant your evergreen tree, the soil needs to be carefully prepared. Summer planting requires extra attention to soil moisture levels, which can be challenging in dry or arid climates. Make sure you water the soil well before you begin, and consider adding a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.

You'll also want to check the soil pH and adjust as needed, depending on the species of tree you're planting. Evergreens generally prefer slightly acidic soil, so aim for a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Planting Techniques

When it comes to planting your evergreen tree, the techniques you use are especially important in summer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid exposing the tree to the hottest part of the day

Dig a hole that's at least twice as wide as the root ball

Make sure you don't plant the tree too deeply - the top of the root ball should sit slightly above ground level

Backfill the hole with soil and gently tamp it down to remove air pockets

Water thoroughly after planting, and continue to water regularly as the tree establishes roots

Final Thoughts

Planting evergreen trees in the summer is certainly possible, but it can be a bit more challenging than planting in cooler weather. If you're careful to choose the right species, prepare the soil well, and use appropriate planting techniques, you can help your tree establish roots and thrive. As with any planting project, it's important to do your research and follow best practices to give your tree the best chance of success.