Long midwest dormant seasons make evergreen care an important aspect of gardening and landscaping, and now's the time to prepare your glorious greens for a safe and healthy winter! These hardy trees add beauty to your landscape year-round and provide vital structure and color during our long Iowan winters. Let's explore why now is the perfect time to get your evergreens in the ground, along with some expert tips on long-term planting, protection, and our evergreen watering guide. 

 

 

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Plant Evergreens

Late summer and early fall offer the perfect conditions for planting evergreens in Iowa. The soil is still warm from the summer sun, which promotes root development, while the cooler air temperatures reduce the stress on newly planted trees. Planting now ensures your evergreens have plenty of time to establish a strong root system before the ground freezes, meaning they'll thrive once spring arrives.

To get started, it's essential to prepare your soil properly to set the stage for your evergreens to grow healthy and strong. Evergreens prefer well-drained soil, so amend your garden beds with organic matter like compost or peat moss to improve drainage and nutrient content. We recommend Coast of Maine Planting Soil for Acid Loving Plants. 

Essential Evergreen Planting Tips 

When planting your evergreens, following these key steps will make all the difference to their long-term health:

• Select a planting spot that offers plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil. 
• Dig a hole twice as wide as your tree's root ball but only as deep as the root ball itself. This will allow the roots to spread out easily without planting your tree too deep, which can lead to root rot.
• Carefully place your evergreen in the hole, making sure it sits upright. 
• Backfill your hole with prepared soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. 
• After planting, thoroughly water your evergreens to help settle the soil and eliminate any remaining air pockets.

Watering is crucial in the first few months after planting. Evergreens need consistent moisture until the ground freezes, so make sure you water deeply and regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. 

 

Protecting Your Evergreens as Winter Approaches

As winter approaches, your evergreens need a little extra care to ensure they survive the cold months. One of the best ways to protect your trees from winter burn and dehydration is by using Wilt Stop, an excellent anti-transpirant that helps reduce moisture loss from leaves and needles during dry winter winds. Apply it in late fall, following the manufacturer's instructions, to give your evergreens a protective barrier against the harsh elements.

In addition to using Wilt Stop, we also recommend mulching around the base of your trees with a thick layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, ensuring the mulch is not piled up against the trunk. Mulching helps retain moisture and insulates your trees' roots, keeping them warmer during the coldest months. For additional protection, you can wrap the trunks of young evergreens with burlap or tree wrap to prevent sunscald and frost cracks.

 

Common Evergreen Care Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned gardeners can make mistakes when it comes to evergreen care. One common misstep is planting your trees too deep, which can lead to stunted growth and even premature death. Another mistake is neglecting to adequately water your evergreens in the fall. Many gardeners assume that because the weather is cooler, their trees don't need as much water. However, consistent watering until the ground freezes is essential to ensure the roots remain hydrated throughout the winter.

Another pitfall to avoid is applying too much fertilizer late in the season. Fertilizing encourages new growth, which can be vulnerable to frost damage. Instead, it's best to fertilize in the spring and early summer, giving your evergreens plenty of time to harden off before winter.

For those looking to go the extra mile with Quad City evergreen planting, consider these pro tips: 

• Choose evergreen species that are well-suited to Iowa's climate, such as White Pine, Norway Spruce, or Arborvitae. 
• Pay attention to your trees' spacing and ensure they have enough room to grow, as overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and disease.

Winter burn can be common in evergreens during harsh winters.  This is when needles/leaves turn brown from losing moisture over the winter and can cause brown spots and patches on evergreens or result in total death of the plant. It is especially common on broad-leaved evergreens like azaleas, rhododendrons and boxwood.  We recommend spraying evergreens with Wilt Stop at the end of November. Wilt Stop provide a protective wax coating over evergreen leaves and helps them retain their moisture over the winter. Wilt Stop also makes a great preservative for Christmas trees, garlands and holiday wreaths and greens.  

 

Following these expert evergreen care and planting tips will ensure your trees thrive in Iowa's unique climate. From proper planting techniques to essential winter protection, every step you take now will help your evergreens stay healthy and vibrant through the cold months ahead. So why wait? Start planting your evergreens now, and enjoy the beauty and benefits they bring to your landscape all year round!