The Best Time To Plant Trees UK: A Seasonal Guide
Tree planting is one of the most beneficial things you can do for the planet. Just one tree can have a huge impact on the environment, offering greater air quality, more habitats for wildlife and visual appeal. However, this will only be possible if the tree grows healthy, and when you plant a tree plays a huge role in this.
As a leading team of tree surgeons, Kneebone Trees specialises in all things trees. We have a great understanding of how valuable these plants are for the planet and local environments and provide a range of services to keep them at their best.
Using our expertise and passion for trees, we are sharing everything you need to know about the best time to plant trees in the UK so you can do your bit for the planet.
Does Timing Matter For Tree Planting?
Timing is essential to ensuring successful tree planting, which is why you need to be aware of the best time to plant trees in your specific location. The right time to plant trees can vary based on location and species of trees, but there are certain factors that can make this easier for you to determine.
The UK experiences a range of seasonal conditions, which is why understanding the best time to plant trees is so important. The conditions of each season and location can impact the growth of the tree and whether it will be a healthy part of the ecosystem.
Seasonal conditions affect various elements of tree growth, including root development. Roots are a vital part of the tree, as they provide nutrients and hydration from the soil to aid the growth of everything including leaves, fruits and branches. Without healthy root development, the tree will be unstable and unable to obtain the necessary nutrients for health.
The success of a newly planted tree lies in how quickly its roots can establish into the soil and this can be made difficult by the seasonal conditions. For example, in summer the dry soil conditions make it difficult for the roots to establish at all and too late in the spring means the roots cannot keep up with the growth of the tree.
Similarly, the levels of soil moisture and temperature can also play a huge role in tree health and determine whether it is the right time to plant trees. These also vary based on the season and weather conditions, with autumn often providing the best balance of suitable soil temperature and moisture levels in most parts of the UK.
The Risks Of Planting At The Wrong Time
Planting trees at the wrong time in the year not only leads to unhealthy growth or even death of the tree but can also cause other seasonal issues that impact the rest of your landscape:
- Frost Damage: Planting trees too late into the autumn and winter can lead to frost damage on the young roots. A sudden temperature change can lead to frost developing on the young roots, which will slow growth or potentially kill the tree before it has had a chance to develop.
- Drought Stress: Trees planted too late in the summer face dry conditions, which can be just as damaging as frost and extreme temperature changes. Dry soil and reduced hydration can lead to wilting. A young tree will struggle to survive without proper irrigation.
- Poor Root Development: As we have explored, the time to plant trees plays a huge role in root development and the ongoing health of the tree. Planting a tree when the soil is too cold or dry can prevent the roots from spreading as needed, causing the tree to be more vulnerable to environmental issues.
- Increased Transplant Shock: Trees experience transplant shock when they struggle to adapt to new environments, and planting them at the wrong time can increase this risk. Planting in extreme temperatures, for example, increases the likelihood of transplant shock, which will lead to the death of the tree.
What Is The Best Time To Plant Trees?
To avoid these issues, you should understand when the best time to plant trees in the UK is and how you can best care for your developing landscape.
The UK experiences seasonal changes throughout the year, with each month bringing a new set of weather conditions and temperatures for our landscapes to contend with. While this may make it seem difficult to plant trees at the best time, there are some prime conditions for tree growth throughout the year that you can take advantage of:
The Prime Planting Time: Autumn (September to November)
The best time to plant trees in the UK is autumn, which usually takes place between September and November. Although this season is associated with the rich, falling leaves and reduced growth of trees, it delivers prime soil and temperature conditions for new seedlings.
In the autumn, the soil is still warm from the summer, which can support new tree growth ahead of the cold winter months. This warm soil helps the roots to establish, ensuring they are secured ahead of the harsher weather conditions at the end of the year.
The regular rainfall of the autumn season is ideal for new trees, as it provides them with ongoing hydration to support their growth and root development. Rainfall can take over the task of frequent watering, making it easier for you to care for your landscape and new trees.
Autumn is the best time to plant trees in the UK, especially for deciduous and bare-root trees. However, not all trees are primed for this season and you may find greater success at other times of the year based on the kind of trees you want to plant.
Best Times To Plant Trees: A UK Seasonal Guide
Autumn is the best time to plant most trees in the UK, but this does not apply to everyone. The type of tree you want to plant and where in the UK you are based can alter the best time to get this started.
Planting In Winter (December to February)
Although the winter can cause a lot of issues for trees and wildlife, it can be a good time to plant certain trees. Bare-root and root-balled trees, such as Cherry Laurel, English Yew, or Privet hedges, can be planted in the winter as long as the ground is not frozen.
As most plants enter their dormant season during the winter, planting these specific trees can reduce the risk of transplant shock. However, if you do choose to plant during the winter and get your garden ready early, you need to provide ongoing protection against frost and waterlogging.
Planting In Spring (March to May)
Container trees, such as Olive, Japanese Maple, and Flowering Dogwood, can be planted in the spring due to the high temperatures and rapid growth. Fruiting and flowering trees can be successful during the spring as long as you keep up with frequent watering.
Watering is essential when planting new trees at any time, but is essential during the spring when the high temperatures can lead to dry spells. However, it is these high temperatures that can lead to a rapid growth of specific trees which is why spring can be a great time for some.
What Is The Worst Time To Plant Trees?
Each season brings its own set of pros and cons for tree planting, based on your location and the kind of tree you want to plant. However, there is one season that is rarely recommended for tree planting in the UK – the summer.
The summer months, which take place between June and August, are the least recommended time to plant trees in the UK because the hot and dry conditions cause stress to new trees.
This stress so early on in the development can have a detrimental effect on the rest of the tree’s life and may even hinder the growth from taking place in the first place. Some trees can be planted in the summer if you have the time to commit to them, such as potted trees.
However, these trees need to have strong root systems to withstand the hot and dry conditions of the summer, and you also need to be able to keep up with the frequent watering needs of the season.
In most cases, it is not recommended for trees to be planted in the summer as the conditions are not suitable.
Kneebone Trees: Your Tree-Planting Partner
At Kneebone Trees, we are passionate about providing the best care to our trees and the planet. This is why we offer an extensive tree planting service and can work with any tree planting initiative, no matter the size or scope.
We operate across Devon and the surrounding areas, working with all kinds of clients to plant beautifully healthy trees to improve our ecosystems. We handle all projects with the care and precision needed for outstanding results, as we understand the best time to plant trees in the region.
If you want to add new plants to your landscape, our professionals are here to help. We ensure your landscape is prepared for successful growth and provide ongoing support to keep your
trees in the best condition.
Conclusion
Tree planting can be a great way to care for the environment, working to improve air quality and create more attractive environments. However, this will only be the case when the tree has had the best start in life and this all relies on timing.
Learning the best time to plant trees in the UK can do wonders for your landscape. It ensures your trees are securely established and will grow healthily – which is guaranteed when planting in the autumn for most species.
While some trees can be planted in other seasons, additional maintenance and care will be required to keep them healthy.
Contact Us Today
For support with tree planting or to learn more about our services, reach out to the team today.
