When is the best time to plant a tree?
Well, the best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago but the second best time is today! That is an old saying, I think, and really I wouldn’t plant anything today but I would plan today. Take a look at your hot spots; places you would like to shield from the sun, either on your home, or on an outdoor space. This is the best time of year; because the summer sun is what you will be trying to block next year. Have a friend stand in different spots to show you where the shadow falls. It’s not always where you think! Stake the place, and start thinking about what kind of tree you might want. Fast growing might sound heavenly right now, but remember, the faster the tree grows, the weaker the wood. That means more sticks to clean up after a storm or possible limb breakage after a snow. Some great shade providing trees for Arkansas include Willow Oak, Nutall Oak, ‘Wildfire’ Black Gum (great fall color, likes low, wet areas), and Athena Elm.