Why Fall is the Best Season to Plant Trees

When most people think about planting trees, spring is the season that comes to mind. After all, the garden centers are buzzing, and new growth is everywhere. But here’s the truth every seasoned gardener knows: fall is actually the best time of year to plant trees.

In fact, planting trees in autumn gives them the strongest possible start. Cooler air temperatures, warmer soil, and less stress mean your trees spend fall and winter building healthy root systems. By the time spring arrives, they’re ready to burst into life—stronger, healthier, and more resilient than their spring-planted counterparts.

In this guide, we’ll explore why fall planting works so well, bust the myth that spring is the only planting season, and give you practical tips for success.

Why Fall is Ideal for Planting Trees

1. Cooler Weather = Less Stress

Just like people, trees experience stress when it’s hot. Summer heat can dry out the soil, increase water needs, and make it harder for young trees to settle in. By contrast, fall weather is mild and forgiving.

When you plant in fall, your tree doesn’t have to battle scorching sun or high temperatures. Instead, it can focus energy on root development.

2. Warm Soil Boosts Root Growth

While the air cools down in autumn, soil retains heat well into late October or even November (depending on your climate). This creates the perfect environment for root growth.

Trees planted in fall spend weeks quietly sending roots deep into the soil. By spring, they’re established and ready to push out new growth.

3. Less Pest and Disease Pressure

Insects and fungal diseases are most active in summer. By fall, many of these threats have tapered off, making it easier for young trees to thrive without interference.

4. Reduced Water Stress

Cooler weather means less evaporation, so trees need less water overall. That’s good news for your water bill and for ensuring your tree’s roots stay moist while they establish.

Busting the Spring Planting Myth

It’s true that spring is a great time for planting many flowers, vegetables, and annuals—but when it comes to trees, fall has distinct advantages.

The myth that “spring is the only planting season” persists because that’s when nurseries have the widest inventory and when gardeners feel the excitement of new growth. But experienced landscapers know that planting trees in fall sets them up for years of success.

Fun Fact: Trees planted in fall often grow twice as fast in their first year compared to spring-planted trees because they’ve had months of quiet root establishment.

Choosing the Right Trees for Fall Planting

Not every tree thrives in fall planting, but many do. Some of the best choices include:

• Maples – Vibrant fall color, hardy, and fast to establish.

• Dogwoods – Beautiful blooms in spring, strong root development in fall.

• Oaks – Long-lived and sturdy; they love a fall start.

• Crape Myrtles – Thrive in warmer regions; autumn planting reduces summer stress.

• Evergreens (Spruce, Pine, Arborvitae) – Establish roots in fall, then provide year-round greenery.

💡 Tip: Avoid planting tender or tropical trees in late fall if frost is imminent.

How to Plant Trees in Fall: Step-by-Step

1. Pick the Right Spot – Ensure you match your tree’s sunlight and soil needs.

2. Dig the Hole Properly – Twice as wide as the root ball, same depth.

3. Position Correctly – Place the tree so the root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) is at soil level.

4. Backfill & Water – Fill with native soil, firm gently, and water deeply.

5. Mulch Generously – Add 2–3 inches of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

6. Water Weekly – Even in cool weather, keep the soil moist until it freezes.

Caring for Newly Planted Trees Over Winter

• Water Before Frost: Give a deep soak before the ground freezes.

• Mulch for Insulation: Protect roots from temperature swings.

• Wrap the Trunk (Optional): In cold climates, wrap young trees to prevent cracking or rodent damage.

• Mark Locations: Stake or tag trees so they’re easy to find and protect during snow removal or mowing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting too late (after the ground has frozen).

• Planting too deep, burying the root flare.

• Skipping mulch or piling it against the trunk (“volcano mulching”).

• Forgetting to water because the weather feels cool.

Conclusion

When it comes to planting trees, fall beats spring every time. Mild weather, warm soil, and reduced stress give your trees the perfect chance to establish roots before winter. By the time spring rolls around, they’ll be ready to thrive, giving you stronger growth, healthier trees, and a more beautiful landscape.

Don’t let the season pass you by—make fall your tree-planting season.

Free Download: Fall Tree Planting Checklist

Make sure your fall tree planting is a success with our easy printable checklist.

🍁 Shop trees ready for fall planting today and give your landscape a strong start for years to come.

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