Looking to get in one final planting before the hard frosts of December? With nurseries having deep discounts on shrubs and trees it may not be too late if you act now. After all, fall is the best time to plant new trees and shrubs. Check out the Recommended Tree List for suggestions of trees for our area.

Trees need about 6 weeks to get established before the first hard freeze. First hard freeze is defined as 4 continuous hours of 25 degrees or colder. This usually occurs in northern New Jersey mid to late December. So while planting time is running out, it’s not too late to add beauty to your home and helping the environment.

Some reasons to plant trees:

• An average size tree creates sufficient oxygen in one year to provide oxygen for a family of four.
• Planting trees in the right place around buildings and homes can cut air-conditioning costs up to 50 percent.
• Trees cool streets and help conserve water by their shading.
• Trees help with soil erosion.
• Trees heal, teach and can be anchors to childhood play.
• Trees can reduce glare; they block unwanted visuals, sounds, winds and dust.
• Trees add beauty to your home and display glorious seasonal changes.
• Planting trees for the environment is good as they are renewable, biodegradable and recyclable.
• If we plant 20 million trees, the earth will get with 260 million more tons of oxygen.
• Once acre of trees can remove up to 2.6 tons of Carbon Dioxide each year.
• During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
• Trees keep in check the air and water pollution.
• Trees are a natural habitat of animals and birds, as well as many endangered species.

Plant this week and you will be thankful not only in the spring, but for many years to come!