October 2022

Trees Take Root in Fall Planting Season

We’ve talked a lot on our blog and Facebook page about why fall is a great time for planting perennials and shrubs. While we’ve also mentioned trees, it’s worth devoting a bit more attention to this type of planting. With proper timing and care, trees can flourish when planted in the fall.

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Project Spotlight

Functional Redesign of Steeply Sloped Backyard

Before

After

Designer Stu Buerman spearheaded this recent project, working at our clients’ request to create a more functional use of their steeply sloped backyard. He designed a larger patio area, cutting into the hillside with a combination of retaining walls and seatwalls, which more than doubled the patio’s surface area and provided plenty of room for play and entertaining. To address the rest of slope, a series of small boulder walls and landing steps was built, eliminating the need for mowing and allowing easier access to the upper gate.

Materials used include steps by Belgard Landings and the Anchor Highland retaining wall in white with charcoal accents from Watkins Concrete Block. Plants were sourced from Heritage Nursery in Elkhorn and Urban Roots in Gretna. Thanks to all our design partners for helping make this project a beautiful success! Check out more photos from this and other projects here.

From the Knowledge Center

Small Trees, Big Impact

Considering a tree as part of your fall landscaping bed refresh? Size matters. While large species trees like evergreens, firs, and spruces have their place in the more spacious parts of your yard, small trees are the smarter choice if you’re trying to add height and texture to the landscaping beds closer to your home.

The Prettiest Plants for Fall

Fall’s color palette is the best of the four seasons, in our humble opinion. The pastels of spring and brights of summer have given way to richer, deeper hues and more fall-like textures.

Fall’s best plants can work in containers, landscape beds, and – sometimes –both! Here’s a look at some of our favorite flowers for fall.

How deep should I plant my fall trees?

You should plant the top of the tree ball 2-4" above your existing soil line and allow for 6-8" minimum on each side of the tree’s root ball. Then, bring the soil back up to the edge of the ball and feather it out, being careful not to cover the top of the ball with soil. Planting the tree higher allows the oxygen to get to the root system and keeps the tree from drowning in excess water. Lastly, cover with 2-3" of mulch, but make sure to pull the mulch away from the tree trunk. I always tell customers to deep water the tree by opening the spigot just so you have a light trickle and lay the hose on top of the root ball. Then, you can go in and watch the first quarter of the Husker game! Or maybe not...just give it 30-40 minutes. Staking is optional, but I prefer not to unless you are in a windswept area.

Stu Buerman

Landscape Design & Estimator

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