Question
Hi,

We want to plant maple and plum trees.  The maples are about 3 1/2 - 4 calibers and the plum are 3 calibers.  The landscaper wants to plant them in November.  This sounds a bit late to us.  We think that the first frost sets in shortly afterwards.  What is your opinion?  We live in Southern New Jersey (we think that is zone 7).  

Thanks in advance.

Answer
I would say your landscaper was right. I would try early November (first two weeks or so). The trees should be dorment then and have a better chance to survive. Make sure he plants them in a big enough hole (the hole should be twice the size of the root ball and twice as deep- fill the space with good potting soil and mulch the area).