Deciduous trees and shrubs are more than just a gorgeous addition to your landscape. They play an important role in our whole ecosystem!
So what exactly IS a deciduous tree or shrub? Deciduous trees are basically giant flowering plants. They include oaks, maples, and beeches and more. The word deciduous means to “fall off,” and every fall these trees shed their leaves. Most deciduous trees are broad-leaved, with wide, flat leaves.
Deciduous trees add texture and structure to your landscape and have loads of curb appeal! In the summer they provide shade, in the autumn they offer up loads of gorgeous color and come winter, they can even help warm the house.
Birds and other wildlife turn to deciduous trees and shrubs to provide nesting, shelter and even food. Their root systems are also a big help in avoiding erosion in damp areas. Timely Tip: Deciduous trees are perfect to plant winter pansies and viola under, since they allow access to necessary winter sun. Then as it gets warmer in spring, the full leaves on the tree/shrub will keep the pansies and viola blooming about a month or so longer than if they were planted in hot full sun.
November is a great time to fertilize since trees love a dose of food right now, before winter sets in! Plus the soil is wetter making it easier to make holes 6” or so deep, so the fertilizer can get below the roots of your lawn grass. We sell soil augers that you can use in a standard household drill to make the holes.
You can read more about how important these trees are to our ecosystem by clicking here. (https://asknature.org/strategy/deciduous-trees-allow-higher-seasonal-water-yields/#.XcYKmFVKj3g