Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant for a Healthy, Beautiful Landscape

Many homeowners believe spring is the ideal planting season but fall actually offers the best conditions for establishing shrubs, trees, and lawns. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, cooler weather and increased rainfall creates the perfect environment for root growth. Planting now gives new trees, shrubs, and lawns a head start, ensuring stronger, healthier landscapes for years to come.

Fall planting also provides support for pollinators, such as birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, as these plants tend to bloom earlier in the spring.

The time of year is one aspect of a thriving garden and landscape, but how you plant and care for the new trees and shrubbery is another.

Guidelines for Successful Fall Planting:

Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Cooler fall temperatures provide ideal conditions for planting new trees and shrubs.
• Warm soil from summer helps roots grow and anchor before the ground freezes.
• An extended root development period allows plants to establish themselves, giving them a head start for vigorous growth in the following spring.

Reduced Stress on Plants:

• Fall planting reduces stress for plants and gardeners.
• The mild climate minimizes heat stress and water evaporation.
• Newly planted trees and shrubs can adapt more easily without extreme weather pressures.

Ample Moisture Availability:

• Fall brings more rainfall, providing natural irrigation for new plants.
• Increased moisture helps with plant establishment and reduces watering needs.
• Cooler temperatures decrease evaporation rates, allowing for better water absorption.

Less Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases:

• Fall sees a reduction in pests and diseases affecting plants.
• Newly planted trees and shrubs face less risk from harmful organisms.
• This environment supports healthier growth for young plants.

Opportunity for Root Establishment:

• Trees and shrubs planted in the fall can focus their energy on root establishment rather than expending resources on foliage and flower production.
• This focus helps them develop strong and extensive root systems, providing a solid foundation for future growth.

Cost and Availability:

• Fall is considered the “off-season” for planting.
• Garden centers may offer discounts on trees and shrubs.
• Discounts help clear out inventory for new stock.
• This is a cost-effective time to invest in your landscaping.

“Shrubs and trees planted in the fall prosper in the spring because their root systems have had time to develop and strengthen,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living. “In fact, they continue to caliper up during the winter months and store nutrients for spring use. When dormancy ends, they are ready to grow with greater vigor and resilience.”