how late to plant

[Thillmaine]

We have a large planting job scheduled for beginning of November. A few trees to be moved, 6-14' arborvitaes to be planted, and a large blue atlas cedar. Site is in a development, within the Hudson Valley (southern ny state) , on top of a small hill that catches a fair amount of wind. Customer couldn't do the planting earlier for financial reasons. My question, how late to is to late to plant?
I have planted with great success into December; but mostly smaller plant material and deciduous stuff. Less risk with drying winter winds and usually containers. The trees we are moving, im not concerned with, they will be drum laced and most of the root system will be retained. Customer has irrigation, so hopefully that will aid in reducing the risk of dessication. We are zone 6, first frost is about to hit within the next week or so, avg is oct 10th. Can enough new rots develop before winter tosustain? The trees are going to be fall dug (this fall0), even more of a concern for me. thoughts, criticism,concerns?

 

[oldoakman]

Your biggest problem will be dessication. the Cedar will not like it a bit. My Son-In-Law is out eastern Long Island and he told me that last winter the Atlas Cedars there took a beating.I would make sur I was covered in the warrenty area if the owner insists on fall planting this stock, but I would definitely lobby for a spring planting. He waited this long, let him bank the $ and collect a little interest until spring. If he insists, I would Wilt-Pruf the heck out of them and make repeat applications through the winter.