This time of year we
often see nurseries promoting planting. Is this actually the best time to
plant or is it when crafty marketers appeal to our desires to be outside
enjoying the nice weather? I would say it is a little of both.
Moisture is the single most important factor when transplanting.
Realizing that it is often difficult to determine one season from another,
simply waiting until the winter rains begin is a good rule of thumb. Use
the dry periods to make preparations. Determine what type of plant or
tree is best for your location. Find a nursery with a good
specimen. Planting a good quality plant is very important to its
survival. During the spring and summer months, plants lose a lot of water
through their leaves (some large trees can lose over 100 gallons of water a
day); therefore, watering requirements become much greater. Although we
often think of trees going into dormancy, tree roots are active year round and
are most active when there is plenty of moisture in the soil. If you can
water the plant, timing is not as crucial.