Fall planting is one of the best-kept secrets in gardening. The combination of warm soil, cooler air, and increased moisture creates the perfect environment for new roots to develop quickly. While spring is often considered the prime planting season, planting in fall gives your plants a head start for next spring, allowing them to settle in before winter and emerge stronger than ever when temperatures rise.
If you’ve been thinking about adding trees, shrubs, perennials, or even bare root plants to your landscape, now is the time! Let’s explore why fall planting is so beneficial and how you can set your garden up for long-term success.
Why is Fall the Perfect Time for Planting?
- Warm Soil Encourages Rapid Root Growth
Throughout summer, the soil absorbs heat from the sun, creating optimal conditions for root development. Unlike in spring, when soil is still cold from winter, fall planting allows plants to form roots almost immediately. These new roots continue to grow well into late fall and even early winter before the soil eventually cools.
- Cooler Air Reduces Plant Stress
In spring and summer, newly planted trees and shrubs have to balance top growth and root establishment, which can be stressful—especially in hot weather. In fall, plants focus more on root growth rather than producing leaves, flowers, or fruit. Less stress = stronger, healthier plants!
- Moisture is More Readily Available
Many regions experience increased rainfall in fall, and cooler temperatures mean plants use less water. This natural hydration helps plants establish their root systems before winter, making them more resilient when spring arrives.
- Mulch Extends the Root-Growing Season
A 3-4 inch layer of shredded bark or arborist mulch over the root zone helps insulate the soil, slowing the rate at which it cools. Mulch prevents moisture loss, suppresses weeds, and extends the period of root development before winter dormancy.
- Plants Will Be Ready to Grow in Spring
Fall-planted trees and shrubs act as if they’ve been in the ground for a full year when they wake up in spring. That means faster growth, healthier foliage, and better blooms compared to plants planted in early spring.
Bareroot Planting in Fall – A Smart, Cost-Effective Option
At Nature Hills Nursery, we partner with top growers to offer bareroot plants, which are an economical and easy-to-plant alternative to potted plants.
Bare root plants are harvested from fields with their soil removed. They are then stored in cool, humid environments to keep them dormant until planting. Fall-planted bare root trees and shrubs will establish new roots quickly, just like container-grown plants, giving them a head start in spring.
Why Choose Bareroot Plants at Nature Hills?
- More affordable than potted plants
- Lighter and easier to plant
- Fast root development when planted in fall
- Stronger establishment before spring growth
Check with our Nature Hills Nursery team or visit our website for availability and shipping schedules for bareroot plants.
Watering New Plants in Fall – Don’t Put Away That Hose Yet!
Anything planted this year—whether in spring, summer, or fall—needs consistent watering to ensure successful establishment before winter. This last deep watering significantly helps plants survive winters, and it especially helps broadleaf evergreen plants resist wind burn and frost burn.
Key Watering Tips for Fall
- Water deeply until plants go dormant in late fall.
- Focus on deep-rooted trees and shrubs, especially those planted this year.
- Evergreens and broadleaf evergreens (like Arborvitae and Viburnum) require extra moisture to prevent winter desiccation.
Certain tree species, including Ash, Birch, Larch, Red Maples, Black Walnut, Swamp White Oak, Pin Oak, Redbud, Sweet Gum, Tulip Tree, and Ginkgo, thrive in moist soil and will especially benefit from late-season watering.
Before putting your hose away, give your new plantings one last deep soak to help them withstand winter conditions.
What’s Left to Plant This Fall?
- Spring Flowering Bulbs
Fall is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus, and Hyacinths.
- Garlic for a Homegrown Harvest
If you love fresh garlic, now is the time to plant individual cloves about 2-3 inches deep in a sunny location. By next June, you’ll have a robust crop of flavorful, homegrown garlic. Avoid grocery store garlic and source untreated cloves from local markets or garden centers for best results.
- Rose Care – Wait Before Winter Protection
While you may be tempted to winterize your Roses early, it’s best to let them experience cold temperatures and frosts first. This signals dormancy, preparing them for winter survival. We cover the best overwintering tips for Roses here!
- Grass seed and Grass plugs
Fall is an excellent time to plant grass seed and grass plugs, thanks to the warm soil, cooler temperatures, and increased moisture that promote strong root development. Whether you're repairing bare patches, overseeding an existing lawn, or establishing a new one, planting in early to mid-fall allows grass to grow deep roots before winter dormancy.
Leading to a thicker, healthier lawn in spring. Grass plugs, such as Zoysia or Blue Grama, also benefit from fall planting, as they have time to establish roots before extreme summer heat arrives. By planting now and keeping the soil moist and well-aerated, you’ll set your lawn up for lush, green success next year.
Read more about Planting Grass Plugs, and caring for Grass Plugs in our Garden Blog!
Get Ahead With Fall Planting!
Planting in fall is one of the best ways to establish healthy trees, shrubs, and perennials with minimal stress and maximum success. The warm soil, cool air, and natural moisture work together to encourage fast root development, ensuring your plants are ready to flourish in spring.
Check out our selection at Nature Hills Nursery today and give your garden the best possible start with fall planting!
Happy Planting!
