1 week Ago By Matt Jackson
Monty Don has warned gardeners they should be looking to plant their trees and shrubs before the cold weather truly hits in order to get root growth “right until Christmas ”. The 69-year-old horticulture expert says autumn is a good time to transplant your deciduous trees and shrubs. This is because the plants can often start to become dormant by October.
And while the leaves may still be looking fresh, Monty says moving the plant will help its root growth towards the back end of the year. This will help the plant when it comes to the spring and has to support growth in the garden. Speaking on Gardeners’ World, Monty said: “It’s always a really good time of year in autumn to be planting any trees or shrubs because as you learn to garden, you’re told the best time of year to plant deciduous plants is when it’s dormant, and that tends to be taken for granted when its foliage has fallen off.
“But actually, it stops growing, in terms of foliage or flower, by October, even though the leaves may still be on and looking quite fresh and green. "But the root growth will continue, so if you dig it up and transplant it, and water it in well, the root growth can carry on, sometimes right until Christmas when it gets cold. “That means it is doing so without any stress on it from growth from foliage and the shoots and it gets established quicker.
And then, in the spring, when it really has to service new growth all around, it’s in a much better place to do it.” According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), October is a perfect time for moving and planting trees, shrubs and climbers, as well as planting hedges. It says root-wrapped evergreens as well as deciduous trees are great for planting in autumn.
It says: “They are cheaper than containerised plants, and are the perfect choice whenever large numbers are needed - perhaps for a new hedge, woodland or a rose bed. You can still order containerised trees and shrubs, and large semi-mature specimens, for planting over the winter.” As we move into November, gardeners can expect their deciduous trees to start losing their leaves due to the harsh weather change.
Some gardeners however believe that November is a good time to plant all trees, tree saplings, and hedging..
