What's the best time of year to plant trees in Central Indiana?

Question

I have an Oak tree that I put in a pot when we moved from Texas to Indiana. It is doing very well in the pot, but it is getting rather big and I want to plant it in the backyard. So, I want to know when the best time is--should I wait til Spring or will it survive the winter if I plant it now?

Thanks! :)

Answer 1

Trees and shrubs generally do best if planted in the early

spring before or just as new growth starts. The second

best time for planting is in the fall, because plants are

essentially dormant in the fall and the conditions provide

the greatest chance for successful establishment.

Answer 2

Being in forestry, I can tell you that most commercial tree planters plant their trees in late winter and early spring, like March.  That way, the tree is still dormant and it gives it time to have the soil form around the roots.

Answer 3

The best time is about 2-4 weeks before your first frost date, which is probably around the 1st of October, which would put the best time to plant between September 1 & September 15.  This gives the roots enough time to establish before they go dormant for the winter.  This tends to be a dry time of the year, so you want to be sure to water well right after you plant and then at least once a week until a week after your first frost.  In the spring, you want to be sure to fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer and make sure the tree has sufficient water during its first growing season.  Be careful to not over-water as this could cause the roots to rot and make the tree die.