“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” — Chinese Proverb
Fall’s perfect combination of warm soil and mild weather makes it a comfortable and stress-free time for planting new trees. While it may seem counterintuitive to plant so close to the cold season, planting your trees now gives their roots time to settle and establish before winter, giving them a full season of uninterrupted growth when the snow melts next year. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your garden and get your new trees in the ground, including our favorite tree varieties for Bismarck’s unique climate!
Why Should I Plant Trees in My Landscape?
There are many reasons why trees make the perfect additions to your landscape: Firstly, trees act like privacy screens and moderate the climate in your house and yard, providing shade from the sun in the summer and shelter from the wind in the winter. They also attract many wondrous birds and wildlife and offer delicious fruit and nuts for the family. Finally, they’re just plain beautiful, bringing spring blossoms, green canopies, and fall colors to your home.
Fall Tree Planting Guide for North Dakota Gardens
- Selecting the Right Tree: Before your shovel even touches the earth, you need to decide on the type of tree that will flourish in your space. Factors such as soil type, sunlight availability, and climate play a pivotal role, as do your own preferences and personal tastes. Research species that have proven their resilience in your area’s climate, or skip below to see our list of the top trees for Bismarck!
- Finding the Ideal Spot: Now that you’ve found your perfect tree, it’s time to scout for the perfect location. Consider its potential height and spread, and place it in a spot where it won’t interfere with power lines or neighboring structures as it matures. Also, be mindful of its distance from other plants to avoid competition for nutrients and water.
- Preparing Your Garden: Clear the designated planting area of any weeds, grass, and debris. Ensure you have well-draining soil by testing its composition and making necessary amendments, and loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to encourage root penetration.
- Digging the Hole: The old saying “measure twice, dig once” holds true here. Dig a broad, shallow hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough to accommodate the roots. This encourages horizontal root growth, which is vital for stability.
- Gently Does It: Remove the tree from its container and gently loosen the roots if they’re circling the root ball. Place the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground’s surface and the trunk is straight. Fill the hole with soil, tamping it down lightly as you go to eliminate air pockets.
- Mulch and Water: Spread a layer of organic mulch around the tree to help retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth, leaving a gap around the trunk to prevent moisture buildup. Give your newly planted tree a thorough soaking and continue to water it daily for the next 1-2 weeks, reducing watering to every 2-3 days 3-4 weeks after planting.
- Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye on your tree’s growth and overall health. Prune dead or damaged branches as needed and adjust watering as the seasons change. With proper care, your tree will establish strong roots and become a cornerstone of your landscape.
What Are the Best Trees to Plant in North Dakota?
Despite our tough climate here on the Great Plains, we’re still blessed with many tree species that thrive in North Dakota. These are some of our favorites:
Large & Medium Trees
Bur Oak: A keystone of our oak savanna-prairie ecosystem, this robust tree can handle the extremities of North Dakota weather with ease. Its expansive canopy casts shade over your yard, and its acorns nourish local wildlife.
American Elm: Known for its classic vase shape, the American Elm boasts graceful curving branches that make it a perfect boulevard tree. The green canopy brings shade to your landscape all summer and bright yellow leaves in autumn.
Hackberry: A native of North Dakota, these hardy, flowering trees tolerate various soil types and thrive in urban environments. Their textured bark brings interest to your garden during the winter months, while their unique fruit will attract gorgeous native birds to your property from early summer until well into fall.
Linden: Known for their exquisite beauty, linden trees have heart-shaped leaves and fragrant, pendulous flowers that create an enchanting ambiance. Whether you seek beauty, shade, improved air quality, or a haven of tranquility, a linden tree is an investment that will continue to enrich your backyard for generations to come!
Honeylocust: A remarkable tree species that thrives in the diverse climate of North Dakota. Known for its delicate, fern-like foliage and distinctive bark, the Honeylocust adds a touch of elegance to its surroundings. With its adaptable nature and ornamental value, Honeylocusts’ are a fantastic choice for those seeking both beauty and resilience in their landscape.
Small Trees
Amur Maples: With elegant, smooth bark and crimson fall colors, the Amur Maple is a beautiful companion for your garden. It fits snugly into tight spaces, and its classic maple leaves bring a unique beauty to your space.
Serviceberry Trees: This large shrub or small tree offers some of the Great Plains’ most delicious berries. The dark purple-blue berries ripen at the beginning of summer, feeding songbirds and providing an abundance of berries for the family.
Apple Trees: You can never go wrong planting an apple tree. With so many varieties available, you can find the perfect option for your unique needs and wants, whether you’re looking for the best apples for cooking, eating fresh from the tree, or a combination of the two. Their gorgeous spring blossoms transform into crisp apples in fall, making these trees a garden gift that keeps on giving.
Cherry Trees: Cherry trees are another easy way to bring an abundance of fruit to your yard with very little effort. You can go sweet or tart, depending on your personality and taste preferences.
Evergreens
Colorado Blue Spruce: With their striking blue needles, these evergreens are a steadfast companion during Bismarck’s frigid winters. Plus, they bring a unique blue color to your yard during the growing months.
Eastern Red Cedar: The Eastern Red Cedar is like the guardian of your landscape, with its year-round greenery and impressive ability to tolerate even the toughest conditions. They grow slowly in a columnar shape and reach about 30 feet high when fully mature.
Planting trees provides a renewed sense of connection with nature and brings many benefits to your home, landscape, and entire neighborhood. By following the steps outlined above, you can prepare your trees to thrive in their new homes for decades to come. For more tips and inspiration on preparing your garden for autumn, come visit us at our garden center in Bismarck, ND!