Yellowwood tree
The early fall is the best time to get woody perennials into the ground, as the timing will allow the roots to grab the soil and establish themselves before the ground freezes. The first expected frost date in the Middle Tennessee area is Oct. 15. Roots continue to grow until the soil temperature drops below 45–50 degrees Fahrenheit. In evaluating trees for your landscape, recognize that trees are not equal. The size of the tree and the choice of deciduous vs. coniferous are the most obvious differences.
Recognizing these differences will initially narrow your selection. In selecting a tree, know the full height potential of the mature tree. How big is the area that you have available for a tree? Can it sustain a 15-foot tree or a 150-foot tree, or something in between? Remember: as above, so below.
What type of soil are you planting it in, and how deep is it? Is there a ledge that will definitely affect the root system? How alkaline or acidic is the soil? Coniferous trees do prefer a more acid soil. In selecting a tree, you can select the tree and find a spot that provides the optimal environment for its growth, or assess the area for the tree and select a tree that will thrive in that area. Look up, and avoid, wires. Call the Tennessee One-Call at 1-800-351-1111 to locate and mark any underground pipes or cables.
When choosing a tree, the type of tree should be based on several factors. Tennessee is primarily located in planting Zone 7. This is important info when ordering online. A local nursery would carry zone-ready plants. Will the tree thrive in the site’s soil and drainage capabilities? Does it receive the right amount of moisture and light to thrive? When the right area has the right plant, the landscaping enhances a home’s value. In purchasing a tree, be familiar with its growth potential as well as any unique features which might include fruit, flowers, falling leaves, etc. It is a package deal.
Trees flower, providing nectar. Trees provide shelter and food. They are an integral part of the ecosystem and the need for native tree cultivation is greater than ever. Native trees are from the region in which they grow; they would neither be a naturalized addition to the region nor an invader with potential for takeover. Native plants support and are an element in the ecosystem. Have you considered trees that flower at a time different than your vegetables, which would help your local pollinators?
Some of the local trees to consider when adding one to your landscape include:
Pawpaw – flowers in the spring and produces edible fruits in the summer, plus it is an eye catcher
Serviceberry (a.k.a. Juneberry) – a four-season looker: flowers, edible fruit, vibrant foliage, grey bark
Redbud – Pink, purplish flowers in spring, unusual leaves, interesting bark
Native Fringe – White, lacy, hanging flower clusters followed by long, dark leaves
American Dogwood – Showy white or pink flowers in the spring
Yellowwood – hanging clusters of creamy white flowers in early summer, variety of pink flowers
Cornelian Cherry – Bright yellow flowers in late winter; its fruit is good for wildlife
Hawthorn – Can tolerate hot, dry exposed locations, thorny
Franklinia – Another four-season looker, no longer found in the wild; white flowers in early fall, brilliant fall foliage; site sensitive
Carolina Silverbell – Dangling, white bell-shaped flowers in the spring, dark green leaves, interesting bark
Confer with a reputable nursery or landscape designer for additional specifics on each.
pawpaw
Large transplants need more time to adapt to the new spot than younger, smaller specimens. A general rule of thumb: if the transplant has a trunk diameter of an average person’s thumb, the transplant should adapt well. Be cognizant of soil compaction and soils that are too wet or too dry.
How to Plant a Tree
When planting, dig the hole two to three times wider than the root ball. The width allows roots to grow away from the plant. The root ball should set on the ground and not on disturbed soil. In poorly drained soil, the root should be one to two inches shallower than the root ball. In well-drained soil, the hole should be as deep as the root ball. When you get a ball and burlap bag, wiggle the plant to assure that it is attached to the root ball. They should move together. If the bag is broken, the roots may have been damaged. Ones with weeds were bagged a while ago and may be in distress from the extended time removed from the soil.
Always water regularly when planting in the fall, as the fall is historically a dry time.
Tree Topping
Tree topping is not tree care but is a severe threat to tree health. Topping removes the tree’s main leader. The finished result is collection of stubs with wounds that never heal properly. Growth produces a dense grouping of leaves which minimizes air flow while encouraging insect activity. Tree topping is not done by certified arborists, as the blunt cut weakens the tree. It would be more merciful to just cut it down and get its death over with.
Farmers Market and Classes
The Rutherford County Farmers’ Market, located at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center, 315 John R Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro is held indoors from 7 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is a producer-only market. UT Extension offers free classes on both days. Classes start at 9 a.m. and last about one hour. Some have been recorded and are uploaded to the RC Farmers Market YouTube channel.
Sept. 4 – A Living Landscape
Certified Master Gardener Larry Rogers discusses how a home landscape can coexist with wildlife and promote pollinators.
Sept. 7 – Top-Ten Vegetable Tips
Certified Master Gardeners Mark Murphy and Charlotte Lampley offer tips and new ideas to help you succeed in growing the ten most popular vegetables for the home garden.
Sept. 11 – Tennessee Lawns
Learn tips and tasks for a healthy lawn from Certified Master Gardener Rocky Barnard.
Sept. 14 – Shade Gardens
Learn how to create a shade garden from Certified Master Gardener Jack Smith, who also will teach about plants that thrive in shady spaces.
Sept. 18 – Bulbs and Perennials
Extension Agent Rachel Painter discusses different types of bulbs and perennials just in time for planting.
Sept. 21 – Garden Tool Maintenance
Learn how to perform regular end-of-season maintenance on your gardening and lawn tools from certified Master Gardener Ken Roberge.
Sept. 25 – Seasonal Eating
Extension Agent Carla Bush leads a food demonstration to offer recipes and tips for selection and preparing our local, fresh foods.
Sept. 28 – Beekeeping 101
Come learn the basics of beekeeping with certified Master Gardener Carol Reese.
Oct. 2 – Mushrooms in the Home Garden
Learn about growing your own mushrooms with certified Master Gardener Floyd Adams.
Oct. 5 – Planting Garlic & Spinach
Certified Master Gardener Anna Paddon discusses planting, what to expect during the winter, care and harvesting garlic and spinach.
