Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Trees
As the summer heat fades and the days grow shorter, fall arrives in Wichita, Kansas, bringing with it a perfect opportunity to plant trees. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall make this season ideal for establishing new trees. Here’s why:
- Cooler temperatures: Trees planted in fall have a chance to root before the harsh winter temperatures set in.
- Increased rainfall: Fall often brings rain, which helps to hydrate newly planted trees.
- Reduced stress: Trees planted in fall experience less stress from extreme heat and drought compared to those planted in summer.
Choosing the Right Trees for Wichita
According to the K-State Extension Office for Sedgwick County, when selecting trees to plant for your Wichita landscape, consider the following factors:
- Climate: Choose trees that are well-suited to the Kansas climate, including its hot summers and cold winters.
- Soil: Consider the type of soil in your yard, as some trees prefer acidic or alkaline conditions.
- Space: Ensure you have enough space for the tree to reach its mature size.
- Purpose: Determine whether you want a shade tree, flowering tree, or a tree for its fruit.
Recommended Trees for Wichita
As native residents of Wichita, we know we have a unique climate with hot summers, cold winters, and occasional droughts. Soil conditions can vary and prove to be a challenge when planting trees. To ensure successful tree growth and long-lasting beauty, it’s essential to select trees that are well-suited to Wichita’s specific environment. Based on recommendations from the K-State Extension office, the Kansas Forest Service, and our own expertise as local lawn care professionals, the following trees have proven to thrive in Wichita’s conditions:
FLOWERING CRABAPPLE
- Adaptable: Available in various cultivars, including Purple Prince, Prairiefire, and Spring Snow.
- Seasonal beauty: Offers vibrant spring blooms, lush green foliage in summer, and stunning fall colors.
- Fruit: Produces small, edible crabapples that attract birds.
- Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
- Planting: Best planted in sunny locations.
- Growth Rate & Size: Moderate to rapid growth rate. Considered to be a small tree at full maturity.
Where You Can See Examples in Wichita:
CHINESE PISTACHE
- Drought-tolerant: Extremely resistant to drought conditions.
- Unique foliage: Features reddish-pink foliage in spring, turning green in summer and fiery red in fall.
- Height: Can reach 30-50 feet tall.
- Planting: Thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
- Growth Rate & Size: Rapid growth rate. Considered to be a medium tree at full maturity.
Where You Can See Examples in Wichita:
RED MAPLE also known as an AUTUMN BLAZE
- Strong branches: Known for its sturdy structure.
- Brilliant fall color: Displays vibrant red foliage in autumn.
- Height: Can grow up to 60 feet tall.
- Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
- Planting: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun.
- Growth Rate & Size: Moderate growth rate but not rapid. Considered a large tree at full maturity with a 40’ – 60’ height and a spread of 35’ – 50’.
Where You Can See Examples in Wichita:
SWAMP WHITE OAK
- Shade tree: Provides excellent shade upon maturity.
- Foliage changes: Displays green leaves in summer, turning yellow or brown in fall.
- Height: Can reach 80-100 feet tall.
- Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
- Planting: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun.
- Growth Rate & Size: Moderate growth rate. Considered a large tree at full maturity with a 50’ – 60’ height and a spread of 40’ – 60’.
Where You Can See Examples in Wichita:
BALD CYPRESS
- Unique appearance: Known for its feathery foliage and buttress roots.
- Fall color: Turns golden yellow in fall.
- Height: Can reach 100 feet tall.
- Watering: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate occasional flooding.
- Planting: Best planted near water features or in areas with high humidity.
- Growth Rate & Size: Rapid growth rate. Considered a large tree at full maturity with a 50’ – 70’ height and a spread of 20’ – 50’.
Where You Can See Examples in Wichita:
SHUMARD OAK also known as a TEXAS OAK
- Hardy: Tolerates poor soil and drought conditions.
- Foliage changes: Displays green leaves in summer, turning reddish-brown in fall.
- Height: Can reach 80-100 feet tall.
- Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
- Planting: Thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
- Growth Rate & Size: Moderate growth rate. Considered a very large tree at full maturity with a 60’ – 80’ height and a spread of 40’ – 60’.
Where You Can See Examples in Wichita:
Planting Trees Made Easy with Greenbelt Lawns
By planting trees in fall and selecting the right species for your Wichita landscape, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of these natural wonders for years to come. However, if you’re unsure about the planting process or simply prefer to leave the work to professionals, Greenbelt Lawns is here to help.
Our tree planting services include:
- Tree selection: We’ll help you choose the perfect trees for your yard based on your needs and preferences.
- Site preparation: Our team will prepare your site for planting, including digging the holes and amending the soil.
- Tree planting: We’ll carefully plant your trees using proper techniques to ensure their success.
- Aftercare: We’ll provide post-planting care to help your trees establish and thrive.
Planting Tips
If you’re up for the challenge of planting trees yourself, here are some helpful tips to ensure a successful outcome. However, for a guaranteed healthy start and high success rate, we recommend entrusting the task to a professional tree planting service like Greenbelt Lawns. Our experts have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to plant trees correctly and provide the necessary aftercare for optimal growth. Regardless, we want to provide you and your trees with a great start whether you choose to hire us or tackle the project on your own.
- Dig a hole that’s wide enough to allow the roots to spread out naturally and deep enough so the root flare (the point where the roots meet the trunk) is at the same level as the soil.
- Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
- Gently place the tree in the hole and fill in the surrounding soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Stake the tree if necessary to provide support.
Please be advised that planting a tree too deep or too shallow can stress the plant and negatively impact its long-term health. Proper planting is crucial to the overall and long-term health of the tree.
Can’t decide if you want to DIY or hire us? No problem, text us at 316-807-2112 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate and to learn more about our tree planting service. Let Greenbelt Lawns handle the hard work, so you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of your new trees.