Tree planting in southern Maine

Question

Is fall a good time to plant a new ornamental tree in Maine. I am thinking about an Eastern Redbud.

Answer 1

Yes, fall is a good time to plant trees. Make sure to dig the hole the same depth as the plant but 3 times wider. The “flare” at the end of the trunk should be above ground. I use a hand cultivator with blunt tines to tease out the roots. You must avoid planting roots that circle the root base. It is better to prune a circling root than allow it to curl in the planting hole. Firm the dirt with a foot while back-filling. Give it an inch of water a week all the way through fall. The roots keep working after leaf drop until the ground freezes.