Fall Tree Planting: Expert Guidance for Optimal Growth

(Feature Impact) Fall is the perfect season to celebrate trees as they transform the world into vibrant shades of red, orange, green and gold. You can do more than just admire existing trees – because in many areas, fall is also an ideal time to plant new ones.

While spring is often seen as peak planting season, experts say cooler weather and autumn rains provide ideal conditions for seedlings to retain moisture and establish their root systems gradually before winter dormancy, improving their future ability to adjust to summer heat and drier conditions.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, planting trees offers many benefits for the planet, wildlife and humans alike. From an environmental perspective, they help filter air and water, remove pollutants from the soil, slow storm surge and nurture biodiversity. Plus, access to nature can reduce stress and increase opportunities for outdoor recreation, improving overall health and well-being in your community.

This autumn, use these expert tips from Eric North, program manager of urban forestry and ISA-certified arborist at the Arbor Day Foundation, to plan your fall tree planting and add a few new hues to your local landscapes.

Choose the Right Tree

Setting your trees up for success starts with choosing the right species. Before ordering seedlings, take time to identify species that are well-suited to your local climate, soil conditions and planting site. Also consider the tree’s mature height and how far the canopy will spread – it won’t stay small forever, so make sure you can give it space to grow.

Think About Timing

Although you can technically plant trees until the soil is too frozen to dig a hole, it’s best to schedule your fall tree planting at least six weeks before the ground freezes so the seedlings have time to adapt before winter. If you’re unable to plant your trees immediately after getting them, you can store them in a cool, dry place, making sure the roots stay damp, for up to five days before putting them in the ground.

Don’t Dig Too Deep

A tree planted too deep may develop root and trunk problems that can affect its long-term health. Instead of digging deep, go wide to encourage roots to spread outward. Dig a hole roughly 3-4 times wider than the root system but no deeper than the root itself. When you put the tree in the hole, the root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) should sit level with the soil or slightly above it.

Mulch with Care

Adding 2-3 inches of mulch in a layer around the base of the tree can help insulate the soil and roots, retain moisture and suppress weeds. However, be careful to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself so you don’t create a “mulch volcano” that traps moisture against the bark.

Water Frequently

Cozy autumn rainstorms might share some of the workload here, but when the forecast looks clear, it’s up to you to water your newly planted seedlings. Keeping the soil consistently moist allows a young tree’s roots to stay hydrated and continue growing. Precise care instructions will depend on the type of tree and your location but expect to thoroughly water your trees about once a week until the ground freezes.

Protect Against Wildlife

Small trees are vulnerable to damage from local wildlife like deer and rabbits, who may chew on bark or snap fragile branches. Installing a protective fence or breathable tree guard can help safeguard trees until they’re older and more capable of withstanding scavenging from hungry critters.

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Join the Cause with Trees

Research from the Arbor Day Foundation’s Canopy Report shows most Americans want to live in neighborhoods with more trees, but only a minority report having planted a tree in the past year. However, if you’re feeling inspired to plant trees in your yard this fall, the organization is ready to help.

New members who join during the nonprofit organization’s fall membership drive will receive 10 free trees suitable for their region, along with clear instructions on how to plant and care for them. Whether you’re a first-time planter or a seasoned friend of the forest, you’ll receive ongoing support to ensure success in your efforts to grow a greener world.

“People understand how important trees are for their communities, their health and the environment,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Many just need a simple way to get started. Our fall membership drive puts trees directly into people’s hands and gives them the confidence to plant trees successfully.”

The foundation has engaged tree planters in more than 90% of all American neighborhoods, thanks in large part to the organization’s membership drives each planting season. This fall, more than 2 million new trees are expected to be distributed.

To sign up and choose your 10 free trees, visit Arborday.org/GetTrees, where you can also find additional advice on tree planting, care and more.

SOURCE:

Arbor Day Foundation

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More Than Hair: How the Back-to-School Haircut Impacts Confidence

(Feature Impact) For years, parents make nearly every style decision for their children – from first-day outfits to picture-day haircuts. Then, almost overnight, those little ones develop opinions of their own about what to wear and how to style their hair.

As boys enter middle and high school, 84% of parents notice their sons care significantly or somewhat more about their appearance, based on results of a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Sport Clips Haircuts, a sports-themed haircutting franchise specializing in haircuts for men and boys.

What’s more, according to the American Psychological Association, physical appearance is an important part of adolescent identity, helping young people express themselves while also navigating social expectations and peer relationships. Those expectations have added more pressure on children and teens to present themselves well as nearly three-quarters of parents surveyed (71%) said boys today face more pressure to look put-together going into a new school year than they remember from their own school years.

Haircuts are Becoming Part of Back-to-School Checklists

While shopping for school supplies, organizing backpacks and choosing first-day outfits are all familiar traditions ahead of a new school year, scheduling a haircut is increasingly part of the back-to-school agenda. While 20% of parents surveyed notice their child shift back into school mode when they pick out their first-day outfit, and another 19% said it’s when their sons pack or organize their bags, 71% said getting their son a fresh haircut or new hairstyle has become a reliable part of their back-to-school routine.

In fact, more than one-third of parents said their preteen or teenage sons are the ones asking for a back-to-school haircut. Another 22% said they bring it up around the same time, meaning more than half of boys are already thinking about how they’ll show up on the first day.

The Connection Between Appearance and Confidence

Ninety-five percent of parents surveyed said the way their son feels about his appearance influences how confidently he approaches school, sports and social activities. As boys age and want to choose their own style, a haircut is only one piece of the equation. Allowing them to choose clothes they feel comfortable wearing as well as having conversations about what they’re looking forward to (and what they’re nervous about) as another school year begins are also part of the preparations that can help boost self-esteem before they ever walk through the school doors.

The Hairstyles Boys are Asking for This Year

If you thought parents’ opinions about theirs sons’ haircuts mattered, think again. More than half of boys ages 11-17 know exactly what haircut they want before the school year begins. Parents report many are inspired by celebrities, athletes or digital creators.

According to the survey, 30% of boys want a tapered fade like the one U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese wore during the 2026 World Cup. Nearly a quarter (24%) of respondents said their child wants a classic cut, similar to YouTuber Caylus Cunningham. Only 10% of boys are requesting a longer or shaggy style, like actor Jacob Elordi, and even fewer are looking for fringe bangs; the “broccoli cut,” which is short on the sides and curly on top; or a buzz cut.

Whether it’s a subtle trim or a completely new style, the back-to-school haircut has evolved into one of the first opportunities each school year for boys to express themselves. Learn more about this year’s trends, and schedule an appointment ahead of the school year, at sportclipsinc.com.

SOURCE:

Sport Clips

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(Feature Impact) Many Americans continue to feel pressure from rising everyday expenses. Some are turning to credit cards and other expensive options like unsecured loans to cover surprise bills, manage a temporary gap in cash flow or even pay for basics like groceries and gas.

For these people, an auto secured loan may offer another option for borrowers who own a vehicle and are looking for a more affordable way to access funds.

Unlike an unsecured personal loan, an auto secured loan uses a vehicle as collateral. This can help borrowers qualify for higher loan amounts at better interest rates and with more flexible repayment terms.  

Not all loans are created equal, however. If you’re considering an auto secured loan, here are six features that responsible lender Oportun suggests borrowers prioritize when evaluating their options.

1. Transparent, Easy-to-Understand Terms

A responsible lender will clearly explain the loan’s annual percentage rate (APR), monthly payment amount, repayment schedule, fees and total cost over time.

Borrowers should also understand what happens if a payment is missed and what options may be available if financial circumstances change. Clear information helps consumers make confident, informed decisions.

2. Affordable and Predictable Payments

The best loan is one that fits comfortably within your budget. Look for fixed monthly payments, reasonable repayment terms and the ability to pay off the loan early without penalties. Be cautious of products that rely on repeated refinancing or loan rollovers that can increase costs over time.

3. Lower-Cost Alternatives to Payday

When unexpected expenses arise, some consumers turn to high-cost forms of credit, such as payday loans, because they are often marketed as fast and easy to secure.

A responsible auto secured loan may offer a more affordable alternative with lower rates and repayment terms designed to help borrowers successfully repay what they borrow rather than become trapped in a cycle of debt. Be sure to shop rates across loan types and lenders.

4. Flexibility and Strong Customer Support

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Borrowers should look for lenders that offer convenient account management tools, flexible payment options and access to knowledgeable customer support representatives. The ability to get help when it’s needed can make a meaningful difference over the life of your loan.

5. Credit Building Opportunities

A loan can do more than just solve an immediate financial need. Many responsible lenders report payment activity to the major credit bureaus, allowing borrowers to build or strengthen their credit history through consistent, on-time payments. Over time, a stronger credit profile can open the door to additional financial opportunities.

6. Responsible Collateral Practices

Before taking out an auto secured loan, it’s important to understand how a lender approaches collateral. Responsible lenders use a vehicle to help expand access to credit. They do not offer credit as a shortcut to taking ownership of your vehicle. Look for lenders that offer hardship assistance and work with borrowers facing financial setbacks before pursuing collection actions. Repossession should always be a last resort.

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Choosing the Right Lending Partner

If you’re considering an auto secured loan, make sure the lender you choose supports these six practices. Responsible lenders design their products to help people both access funds for short-term needs and improve their long-term financial health.

For example, Oportun offers clearly priced auto secured personal loans designed to help members access affordable credit and repay them on time so they can build a stronger financial future. Since its founding, the lender has provided more than $22 billion in responsible and affordable credit, helped more than 1.3 million people establish a credit history and saved its members more than $2.5 billion in interest and fees.

By focusing on lenders that prioritize transparency, affordability, flexibility and successful repayment outcomes, borrowers can find an auto secured loan that meets their current and future financial needs. Discover more information by visiting Oportun.com.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Oportun

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