The planting of most trees, shrubs, and perennials the fall has come to be recognized as the best planting period in the mid Atlantic region.  Late fall is a period when deciduous plants are not in leaf and evergreens are in a less active state.  Neither of these plants have new growth and the atmospheric temperature is lower,  which means a slower consumption of water by the plant.  The plant's root system tends to be very active as it rejuvenates itself during the restful, dormant season.  The roots will develop throughout the winter unless the ground is actually frozen.  During this development the roots will consume water which keeps the plants well hydrated through the winter.

     In a climate such as Fredericksburg VA, a plant will enter into the heat of late May with a much more established root system if it was planted in the fall.  Planting in the spring is acceptable but the gardener must realize that the plant with the less established root system will be more dependent on the planter for survival.  Exceptions to this rule would be evergreen magnolias, crepe myrtle, Fosteri hollies, and pin oaks to name a few.  Since these are plants which are susceptible to winter damage, they will need as much moisture in their system as possible in order to survive the cold, drying winds of winter.  These plants would benefit from being planted and nurtured in the early spring to give them the maximum amount of root development prior to entering the winter season.

    If you live in Michigan, Canada, upstate New York, etc. the rules are different.  The ground stays frozen for a very long time resulting in limited growth of the roots.  The roots also take up very little moisture because of their inactive status.  No matter where you live, you should make sure that your plant's root zone does not become dry.  Plants use water in the winter also, just not as much as in the summer.  Once the ground freezes, it will not take on more moisture until the roots thaw.  Allowing the ground to freeze with dry roots is comparable leaving on a trip across the lesser populated region of Texas with 3 gallons of gas in your tank.  Not good!

    Protective sprays which limit desiccation (drying from the cold weather conditions) are readily available and their use is advisable.  The most commonly known product is called Wilt Pruf, which we of course keep in stock - no kidding!  These are plastic sprays which coat the surfaces of the plant but does not interrupt normal transpiration...gas exchange...passage of moisture through the stomata of the leaves...whatever.  The application of the spray should done when the temperature is above 45 degrees to insure quick, even drying with the ideal temperature being 70 degrees.  These plastic anti-dessicant sprays make the leaves very glossy and attractive.

    Anti-dessicants should be used prior to digging plant material for transplanting.  We spray our shrub beds in mid November for winter protection.  We repeat the application of a mild day in mid February because winter has weathered away our protective coating and the March winds can be the most fierce in Fredericksburg.  Some nurseries promote this product as an effective fungicide with the theory being that the fungal spore cannot penetrate the plastic coating to enter the stem of the vulnerable plant.  This theory sounds realistic, but the product is not labeled for this use nor do I have any personal experience with this usage.  The product can be used in the summer to prevent los of moisture from heat, and if disease problems are reduced then so be it.  Have a great week.

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