Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs

Fall might seem like the season when everything in your garden starts winding down, but don’t be fooled—this is actually one of the best times to get planting! While spring often steals the spotlight for gardening, fall offers some distinct advantages, especially when it comes to planting trees and shrubs. Whether you’re looking to add structure, shade, or year-round interest to your landscape, autumn is the perfect time to make it happen.

Here’s why fall is the ideal season to plant trees and shrubs—and how it can set your garden up for long-term success!

Perfect Weather for Planting

In fall, the temperatures are cooler, but the soil is still warm from the summer months. This creates the ideal environment for planting trees and shrubs. Cooler air helps reduce stress on the plants, and warmer soil promotes strong root growth. When you plant in autumn, your trees and shrubs will focus all their energy on developing a robust root system rather than on top growth, which is what happens in spring.

The Result?
Come spring, those well-established roots give your plants a head start, allowing them to explode with healthy new growth!

Less Stress for Trees and Shrubs

Plants experience less stress when the weather is cooler. Summer’s scorching heat can be tough on new transplants, leading to wilting, water stress, and slower growth. By contrast, the mild temperatures of fall are gentler on young trees and shrubs, helping them acclimate to their new environment without the pressure of intense heat.

Bonus:
Fall planting also reduces the chances of transplant shock, giving your plants the best chance to thrive.

Plenty of Moisture

Autumn usually brings more rainfall than the dry, hot days of summer. This natural irrigation makes it easier to keep your newly planted trees and shrubs well-watered as they establish their roots. With cooler temps and increased rainfall, your garden will need less supplemental watering from you, which is always a win!

Pro Tip:
Even with fall rains, be sure to check soil moisture regularly and water as needed to keep your plants hydrated until the ground freezes.

Fewer Pests and Diseases

Fall planting helps you avoid many of the common pests and diseases that thrive in the warmer months. Insects like aphids, beetles, and caterpillars that might feed on new growth are less active in fall, and fungal diseases are less likely to spread in the cooler, drier air. Your trees and shrubs will get off to a healthier start, without having to battle as many seasonal pests.

The Result?
Less pest damage means happier, healthier plants come spring!

Better Selection at Garden Centers

Many garden centers have excellent deals on trees and shrubs in the fall. Since it’s the end of the planting season for most, you can often find a wide variety of species at discounted prices. This is the perfect time to snag that flowering dogwood, colorful maple, or lush evergreen you’ve had your eye on!

Pro Tip:
Be sure to inspect plants carefully for healthy roots and signs of vigor. Just because they’re on sale doesn’t mean they won’t be the stars of your garden next year!

Time for Roots to Establish Before Winter

When you plant in the fall, your trees and shrubs have several months to focus on root development before the ground freezes. In contrast, spring planting means your plants must simultaneously establish roots while pushing out new top growth. With fall planting, all the energy goes into root growth, ensuring your plants will be well-anchored and ready to flourish when spring arrives.

The Benefit?
Stronger roots lead to healthier, more resilient trees and shrubs that can better withstand the challenges of heat, drought, and even pests in the growing seasons to come.

A Head Start on Spring Growth

By planting in the fall, you’re setting your garden up for a spectacular show in the spring. Trees and shrubs that have had the entire winter to establish their root systems will emerge from dormancy ready to grow vigorously as soon as warmer weather hits. You’ll enjoy earlier blooms, fuller foliage, and faster growth than if you wait until spring to plant.

Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to mulch around the base of your newly planted trees and shrubs! A layer of mulch helps insulate the soil, conserve moisture, and prevent sudden temperature fluctuations during the colder months.

So, What Trees and Shrubs Should You Plant?

While fall is great for planting nearly any tree or shrub, here are a few top picks that do especially well:

• Maples for brilliant fall color
• Dogwoods for spring blooms and red stems in winter
• Oak trees for long-lasting shade
• Hydrangeas for year-round interest
• Evergreens like pine, spruce, or holly for winter greenery

These trees and shrubs not only bring beauty to your landscape but also provide shelter and food for local wildlife!

Ready to Start Planting?

With all these advantages, there’s no reason to wait until spring to plant your favorite trees and shrubs. Fall planting sets the stage for stronger, healthier plants that will thrive for years to come. So grab your shovel, pick out some gorgeous trees and shrubs, and give your garden the head start it deserves this season!

Happy fall planting!