Planting Site Conditions

Frozen or Cold Soil

Seedlings cannot be planted properly in frozen soils. Opening the planting hole and filling it properly is difficult when soil is frozen. Suspend planting operations if soils are frozen more than an inch deep. Do not plant if soils are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit at rooting depth. Adequate soil temperatures are needed for seedlings to absorb soil moisture.

Dry Soil

Enough soil moisture is needed so the planting hole can be opened properly and closed. Base the decision to plant on the soil condition and the experience of local moisture patterns and planting windows. For example, if soils are dry in the last week of June and no rain is forecast, planting may not be appropriate. On the other hand, if soils feel dry in April, trees can be planted, assuming normal rains will occur. Your risk may be minimal.

At low to middle elevations in southwestern Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Utah, do not plant trees in May or June unless soil moisture is adequate to get roots established. These are typically the driest months of the year. Do not rely on anticipated monsoon rain patterns to make up current moisture deficits.

Seasonal moisture expectations dictate planting strategies during the fall planting season. Trees are becoming dormant and their moisture needs are declining as the season progresses. Seedlings with less water will be less prone to freeze damage. Seedlings planted in late August will need more soil moisture than those planted in mid-September. Seedlings planted at high elevations after mid-September will need relatively little additional moisture until the following spring.

Sometimes seedlings are planted late in the fall, based on the expectation of rain. If freezing temperatures arrive before the rains, the seedlings could be damaged if they are not hardy and properly conditioned.