Many people do not realise that summer is an excellent time for planting trees. Most people think of winter as the best time for this, but many trees and plants can easily be transplanted in summer. Many of these need to be repotted anyway during their first two years, so that provides a great opportunity. Additionally, most pruning is done in winter, so there should be no problem with transplanting either.
According to tree lopping Sydney owner Michael Dunia, there are many different types of trees, each with unique qualities. Some grow well in warm weather while others prefer colder climates, but all plants will thrive on sun and water. This makes summer the perfect time to plant.
Here are some common trees that are best planted during the summer months.
Cherry
Spring-blooming trees, including cherries, are typically planted in spring or early summer when the soil is still moist from winter rains. However, some varieties blossom during warmer months, so before planting check whether your tree blooms earlier or later than most other cherry trees. If planting more than one variety near each other it is recommended to choose early flowering varieties for the front of the border, and later flowering varieties for the back.
Dogwood
These trees are best planted in spring or early summer after all danger of frost has passed. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Forsythia
These deciduous shrubs should be planted during late winter or early spring so they have time to settle before blooming during warmer months. They require fertile soil with good drainage and require lots of water when first getting established. In areas where forsythia grows as a perennial, it is recommended to remove any dead stalks from previous years by about mid-summer to prevent rot from forming around the area where new growth will begin to appear in spring.
Lilac
These trees should be planted in late winter or early spring and require full sun with moist, but well-drained soil. They will tolerate almost any type of soil as long as it drains well.
Maple
Most maples prefer cooler summers than those found at latitudes below 51 degrees North, however, some varieties do better in warmer climates such as the sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus). These trees should be planted in autumn or early spring when the ground is still moist from rain or melted snow. They need fertile soil that is looser and deeper than that which is preferred by most other deciduous trees for good root growth.
Oak
Oaks require well-drained soil and for this reason, they do best in locations where water doesn’t collect. They should be planted in autumn or early spring on an overcast day when the temperature is around 45 degrees F to 50 degrees F (7 to 10 degrees C).
Pear
Like many fruit trees, pears prefer cooler climates than those found at latitudes below 38 degrees North. They should be planted during autumn and will tolerate partial shade more than most other fruit trees. Keep in mind that pear trees may grow fast, reaching heights of up to 60 feet (18 metres), so make sure to plant them in a location with enough space for growth.
Redbud
These small ornamental flowering trees should be planted in late autumn or early spring. They require at least 3 hours of direct sunlight per day and well-drained soil which is rich with organic matter, but may not tolerate wet soils for extended periods.
Rose Bush
Roses prefer full sun exposure, however, they can also grow decently well in partial shade if it’s only an hour or two during the hottest part of the afternoon. Roses should be planted from autumn to early spring as soon as there is no longer a threat of frost. They prefer fertile, loamy soil with good drainage and lots of water while first getting established.
In most cases, your local arborist can give you the best advice about which plants are best suited to your local climate.
