Fall is the Perfect Time of Year to Plant Trees or Shrubs!

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It is Easy for Trees & Shrubs to Establish During Fall

Hard to believe?

Spring is always the time of year that gets our “planting engines” revving – but Fall is the best time of year to plant!

It seems counterintuitive, right?

Plant in the Spring and everything grows during the warm weather. Summer comes along with Summer heat & everything continues to grow?!?!?
The answer can be “Yes,” if you remember to water daily while your tree or shrub establishes itself into its new environment!

Fall is the Perfect Time of Year to Plant Your Trees & Shrubs

Fall is the perfect time of year because we are moving from hotter weather to warm weather. Less heat stress allows your tree or shrub to easily establish it’s root system when not water stressed or throwing off new leaves or Spring shoots!

Top 6 Reasons to Plant in Fall

  1. Fall plantings require less frequent watering because temperatures are cooling. Cooling temperatures mean your newly planted tree or shrub requires less water.
    • Whether you plant in Spring or Fall, your newly planted tree or shrub will require water! And whether Spring, Summer or Fall, it is easy to notice a “water stressed” plant when its leaves appear droopy or wilted.
  2. Fall planted Trees and Shrubs have more going on “underground” than above ground!
    • Fall’s shorter daylength & cooling temperatures allow Fall plantings to establish roots but produce less new leaf & shoot growth.
  3. Show off your Green Thumb with your Fall planting success! Long time tree & shrub enthusiasts always enjoy their best results by planting in Fall.
  4. Planting your tree or shrub in the Fall provides a head start for next Spring – your plants will establish roots by next Spring and be ready for new leaf & shoot growth!
  5. Do not overwhelm yourself in Spring by trying to “plant it all.”
    • Allow more time to care for and nurture your newly planted tree or shrub. Plant half as many in Spring and the other half in Fall!
  6. After planting trees & shrubs, get a head start with Spring color by planting Fall Bulbs around their base. Fall Bulbs bring early Spring color making your yard the envy of the neighborhood!

Top 6 Tips for Successful Fall Planting

  1. Measure Tree or Shrub “root ball” or container. When digging the hole for your new plant, dig twice (2x) the size of the root ball or container.
    • Quick example – a 3 Gallon container measures 12” across the top of the container and 12” along the side of the container, dig a hole that is 24” across the top and 24” deep!
  2. Check out your tree or shrub’s roots – if you find them circular or “circling” from growing inside its container, loosen them/un-circle them before trying to place them into your dug hole.
  3. Just before you place the root ball into the hole, fill about ½ full of water & add a root growth stimulator (ask for “Root & Grow” when you visit our Garden Center).
  4. Back fill the hole so that the base of the tree or shrub is level with the surrounding ground.
    • Check that the Stem of your Tree or Shrub is visible and top of the root ball is level with surrounding ground.
  5. Once your tree or shrub is steady & supported, fill “empty space” around the sides of the hole.
    • “Mound” the soil up around the outer edges of the hole – mounding allows water to trickle down leaves to stem and be captured at ground level.
  6. While the roots are establishing, water as needed for the first 2 to 3 weeks. Additional “Root & Grow” treatments every 2 to 3 weeks can continue to encourage root growth.

Top 6 List of Most Requested Fall Trees & Shrubs

White’s Garden Center staff has too many favorite Trees & Shrubs to begin to list. Here’s our Top 6 List of the most requested Fall trees & shrubs.

  1. Azalea Shrubs
    Most popular – Encore Coral Azalea. Azaleas come in a multitude of colors & grow and bloom best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
  2. Crepe Myrtle Trees
    Get a head start with next Summer’s flowering Crepe Myrtle! This flowering tree comes with red, lavender, pink or white blooms.
  3. Maple Trees
    Fast growing shade tree with beautiful Fall burnt orange or red color change.
    Grows to a height of 60-75’ with 40-50’ spread.
  4. Holly Shrubs
    Evergreen shrub bringing Winter color to your landscape with its decorative red berries.
  5. Leyland Cypress Trees
    Evergreen used for natural barriers or hedges. Super-fast growing (24-36” per year!)
    Grows best in full sun.
  6. Camelia Shrubs
    Provide a long blooming season between Fall & Spring. Camellias love morning sun & afternoon shade. Grow & bloom best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil.