Looking to plant trees this summer? Find out which trees will flourish when planted during the season. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and opportunities that summer presents for tree planting, and the steps you can take to ensure your efforts blossom into a thriving oasis.
The Importance of Planting the Right Trees in the Right Season
Planting trees at the right time is crucial for the following reasons:
1. Increased Potential for Growth
Planting trees during their favourable seasons provides ideal conditions for growth, ensuring they receive necessary resources like temperature, sunlight, and moisture.
2. Enhanced Survival Rates
Aligning tree growth with natural rhythms reduces stress on newly planted trees, promoting root development and reducing transplant shock. It also minimizes exposure to extreme weather conditions.
3. Ecosystem Resilience
Properly established trees contribute to soil stability, water conservation, and air quality improvement, making the environment more resilient to climate change. Planting at the right time enhances their ecological functions.
4. Cost and Resource Efficiency
Planting trees during their optimal growth period reduces maintenance needs and the likelihood of replacements. It offers cost and resource efficiency benefits.
5. Long-Term Benefits
Proper timing sets the stage for long-term benefits. As trees mature, they provide shade, lower energy costs, mitigate heat island effects, sequester carbon dioxide, and improve air quality. It creates a legacy of environmental well-being for future generations.
What Trees to Plant in Canada During Summer
If you’re in Canada and wondering which trees are ideal for summer planting, here are some of the best tree options for the season and how to plant them:
1. Eastern Redbud
The Eastern Redbud is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that offers a stunning display of rosy pink flowers during the spring. It is an excellent choice for summer planting, as it adapts well to various soil types and withstands both heat and drought. The heart-shaped leaves turn vibrant yellow in the fall, further enhancing its appeal.
How to Plant:
- Choose a planting location that receives full or partial sunlight and has well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the tree’s root ball.
- Gently remove the tree from its container, being careful not to damage the roots.
- Place the tree in the hole, making sure it is straight and the root flare (where the roots meet the trunk) is level with or slightly above the ground.
- Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water the tree thoroughly after planting and provide regular watering during the first growing season.
2. White Birch
The White Birch, also known as the Paper Birch, is a majestic tree known for its striking white bark that peels away in thin layers. This tree prefers cooler climates, making it an ideal choice for regions in Canada that experience milder summers. The White Birch thrives in well-drained soil and provides an elegant addition to any landscape.
How to Plant:
- Select a planting location that offers full sunlight or partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole that is slightly wider and as deep as the tree’s root ball.
- Carefully remove the tree from its container, ensuring the roots remain intact.
- Place the tree in the hole, making sure it is straight and the root flare is level with or slightly above the ground.
- Backfill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets.
- Water the tree deeply after planting and provide regular watering, especially during dry spells.
3. Colorado Blue Spruce
The Colorado Blue Spruce is a popular evergreen tree that exhibits blueish-green needles, adding a touch of coolness to your surroundings during the hot summer months. This coniferous tree can tolerate various soil types and requires ample sunlight. Its symmetrical shape and vibrant colour make it a picturesque choice for gardens and parks.
How to Plant:
- Choose a planting spot with full sunlight and well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole that is wider and slightly shallower than the tree’s root ball.
- Remove the tree from its container and loosen the roots gently if they are tightly packed.
- Place the tree in the hole, making sure it is straight and the root flare is level with the ground.
- Backfill the hole with soil, firmly packing it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water the tree thoroughly and apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture.
4. Hackberry
The Hackberry tree is a resilient species that can withstand a wide range of soil conditions, including urban environments. It provides ample shade with its broad canopy, making it an excellent choice for lawns and parks where relief from the summer sun is desired. The Hackberry produces small, berry-like fruits that attract birds and wildlife.
How to Plant:
- Select a planting location that receives full or partial sunlight and has well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole that is wider and slightly shallower than the tree’s root ball.
- Carefully remove the tree from its container, ensuring the roots are not damaged.
- Place the tree in the hole, making sure it is straight and the root flare is level with or slightly above the ground.
- Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
- Water the tree deeply after planting and provide regular watering, particularly during dry periods.
5. Freeman Maple
The Freeman Maple is a hybrid tree resulting from the crossbreeding of the Silver Maple and Red Maple. It offers the best traits of both species, such as the fast growth rate and adaptability of the Silver Maple and the stunning fall coloration of the Red Maple. This deciduous tree provides ample shade during summer and transforms into a breathtaking blend of red, orange, and yellow leaves in the autumn.
How to Plant:
- Choose a planting spot with full sunlight or partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole that is wider and slightly shallower than the tree’s root ball.
- Remove the tree from its container and gently loosen the roots if necessary.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is straight and the root flare is level with or slightly above the ground.
- Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
- Water the tree thoroughly after planting and provide regular watering, especially during dry spells.
6. Tamarack
The Tamarack, also known as the American Larch, is a deciduous conifer that stands out among other evergreen trees. During summer, it showcases bright green, delicate foliage that turns golden-yellow before shedding in the fall. This tree prefers moist and acidic soil conditions, making it suitable for regions with cooler summers in Canada.
How to Plant:
- Select a planting location that receives full sunlight or partial shade and has moist, acidic soil.
- Dig a hole that is wider and slightly shallower than the tree’s root ball.
- Carefully remove the tree from its container, ensuring the roots remain intact.
- Place the tree in the hole, making sure it is straight and the root flare is level with or slightly above the ground.
- Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
- Water the tree deeply after planting and provide regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
Planting trees during the summer in Canada is a wonderful way to add beauty, shade, and environmental benefits to your surroundings. Remember to consider your specific location, climate, and soil conditions when choosing the right trees for your area. By selecting these trees, you can enjoy their aesthetic appeal, contribute to a greener environment, and create a more enjoyable outdoor space for years to come.
Remember to consult local gardening resources or experts for specific planting instructions and any additional care requirements based on your region’s climate and soil conditions. Learn about proper watering, mulching, and regular maintenance to allow your trees to thrive.
If you need the help of trusted professionals to properly take care of your trees, Dave Lund Tree Services is always ready to lend you a helping hand. Call us at (905) 884-0511 and let us handle all the tough work.