Q: I want to plant thirteen cryptomeria for privacy and a sound barrier. I was told this time of year is best for water usage.

A: This is a great time to plant all shrubs and trees! Just remember that extra watering will be needed this winter. It takes only one occurrence of a dried out root system to kill a new tree. Winter winds can quickly desiccate cryptomeria needles. Make sure any water you apply is at the base of the tree, on top of the root ball. Roots won’t grow out of the root ball until next spring. Continue to deeply water occasionally next summer.