Home Grown Notions: Fall Landscaping

Beth Cook, Mammoth Cave Transplants
Signs of fall have been popping up here and there the last couple of weeks. Cool temperatures, falling leavings, and budding mums just to mention a few. Many people view fall as the end of the growing season, but most don't realize that fall is actually an ideal time to plant trees, shrubs and perennial flowers. Planting in the fall gives roots plenty of time to become established before the next growing season begins. Beginning in late September through November or until the first signs of frost is the best time for fall landscaping. The increase in rainfall and cool temps, less watering is needed.

Here are a few tips for planting trees and shrubs in the Fall:

• Avoid stimulating growth: Don’t fertilize or overly amend the soil. You can add a little compost (to stimulate root growth), but hold off on fertilizer until spring.
• Don’t disturb the plant: Avoid pruning, the shrub won’t have time to recover from damage.
  
• Keep plants watered: Be sure to water in well when planting and If it hasn’t rained, keep new shrubs watered every week or two until the ground freezes.
  
• Apply Mulch: Add mulch to keep newly planted shrubs insulated.
  

Fall is also a good time to divide and transplant perennials. This will give them ample time to get established to look good for next spring and summer. 1-2 days before dividing, water really well and cut foliage back to 6” or half the plant to make the process easier. Plants that will love you for dividing them include: Astilbe, Hostas, Daylilies, Iris, Peony, Coneflower, Poppies, Black Eyed Susan, Garden Phlox, Beebalm, Coreopis.

Happy Planting from Mammoth Cave Transplants!

~~The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now. ~Chinese Proverb