Trees

When to Plant Trees

Q. For Mother's Day I received a gift certificate to the local garden center. I would like to use it to purchase a tree - BUT the temperatures are in the high 80's on up here right now. Can I safely plant a tree in this HOT weather and get it to survive? Any tips? Any varieties that would do best in Zone 5?

A. I feel it is best to wait until the temps drop down. So much loss of water occurs when planting a tree into a new location coupled with the natural stress that having extra heat thrown in is asking for possible leaf drying edge burning and at worst leaf drop.

Trees for zone 5 are far and wide! Such a range a lot of it depends upon what you prefer what shape you are looking for whether flowering or not nut-making evergreen vs deciduous and what heights desired.

Here are just a few to consider but it will be best to go to that nursery and see what they have available check the quality and ask what are the light and water requirements are of those you like. All trees and shrubs that they have will be suited for zone 5 [a wide strip from the East coast through the Midwest my old stomping grounds] or else they would not carry them.

Oak of many kinds Willow Spruce Pine Birch Hemlock Walnut Hickory Maple of many kinds Elm resistant to the Dutch Elm disease please Catalpa Lilac