#ProPlantTips, Bush and Shrub Care, Perennial Care, Tree Care

Should You Transplant in the Fall or Spring?

Nature Hills Nursery | February 14, 2026

Got a plant that is outgrowing its spot in the garden, or maybe one that just didn’t look right where it's planted? Maybe that new Rose is struggling in an area that didn’t get as much sunlight as you anticipated, or a new tree seems not to be happy where frequent puddles form.

It’s time to transplant!

But when is the best time to make the move? Nature Hills is here to help!

When Fall Is Best For Transplanting
When Spring is Best For Transplanting
When Not to Transplant
Transplanting After Care
Get Transplanting!

While those of us who are old school believe that fall is best for transplanting, planting, and dividing plants, in reality - you can transplant and plant any time of the year when the ground isn’t frozen!

While fall does give your plants 4-5 months' worth of cooler temperatures for roots to establish, or reestablish in this case, without dealing with the demands that summer heat and drought bring, you can actually transplant whenever it is best for you and your plant!

If a plant is struggling in its current location, for any reason, moving it to a more ideal location sooner is far better than waiting for the perfect time! Soggy locations, inadequate sunlight, overcrowding, and many other reasons can all take their toll and stress a plant to the point of death!

After you’ve spent hard-earned time and money on them, getting them to a location where they will thrive is more important than timing. Even in the dead of summer.

So the question of transplanting in fall or spring is kind of a trick question!

When Fall Is Best For Transplanting

Fall is a great time to plant and transplant many plants and trees, in addition to many other necessary autumn chores. Especially if you are in a growing zone that isn’t expecting your first hard freeze next week, any plant, fall-planted bulb, tree, or shrub can be put in the ground, watered in well, and mulched with great success.

As long as the ground isn’t frozen - plant it!

When Spring is Best For Transplanting

Ma Nature often has exceptions to every rule, and the following plants are best transplanted in the spring.

Fir trees and Jack and Austrian Pines don't prefer planting in the fall, but spring is perfect for them, along with all of the other Spruce, Pine, Fir, as well as all other evergreen trees and shrubs
Avoid transplanting if it has gotten too late in the fall
Deciduous trees that seem to do better when transplanted in the spring are Musclewood, Ironwood, Magnolia, and Redbud. But remember that Nature Hills offers container-grown plants that can be very successfully transplanted throughout the growing season!
Spring-planted flowering Summer-blooming bulbs - These don’t need chill hours to be stimulated to bloom
Summer flowering annuals, herbs, and vegetable plants - should be planted outdoors in the spring (after the threat of hard freezes has passed)
New plants you purchased in the spring - go ahead and plant them!
Seeds and seedlings that were started indoors and hardened off
Annual ornamental plants (after the threat of hard freezes has passed)
Tender Perennials
Broadleaved Evergreen trees and shrubs

When Not to Transplant

There are a few plants that don’t take to being transplanted well, and a few instances and times when you shouldn’t transplant at all.

Avoid transplanting if temperatures will be over 90°F for over a week straight or if you are in a heat wave or drought.
Avoid transplanting larger or very well-established plants. The toll on their roots can be devastating. You can contact a tree service or arborist who can move larger plants with heavy equipment more successfully than if you tried it yourself.
Do not try transplanting established plants that have a Tap Root. These roots go very deep, and if they snap off during the digging process or during replanting, then it’s likely the transplant will fail
Do not transplant when the ground is frozen
Do not transplant shrubs, perennials, or trees when they are blooming (annuals are usually good to go)
Do not dig and transplant established plants that are not dormant.

Transplanting After Care

Taking care of your new transplant is about the same as when you planted it the first time!

Mulch the soil surface with 3-4 inches of arborist bark chips
Water regularly using the Finger Test
Watch for settling soil and roots that were planted too deeply or too shallow
Give it time!

Monitor your transplant and look for signs of wilting. Wilt occurs both when a plant does not have enough water and when it has too much! Air pockets left in the soil can also create issues by not letting the roots absorb much-needed water.

Check the soil several inches deep to see if it is dry or soggy. Soil that is too dry for too long can become hydrophobic and require frequent watering to rehydrate. While poor drainage or overly compacted soil will let water pool and rot the roots.

For many perennials and larger shrubs, pruning back some foliage and limbs helps the roots not have as much top growth to support while they work to re-establish in their new home. Remove no more than one-third of the growth at a time.

Get Transplanting!

Nearly any time is a great time to plant and transplant your garden babies! With just a few tips and tricks to keep in mind, you will enjoy a successful relocation of your landscaping every time!

As always, Nature Hills and your local County Extension Office are an email or phone call away for any questions you may have, and our horticultural experts are here for you!

Happy Transplanting!

Previous Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to transplant perennials in the fall or spring?

Fall is generally preferred for transplanting perennials because it provides 4-5 months of cooler temperatures for root establishment without summer heat stress. However, you can successfully transplant perennials any time when the ground isn't frozen, especially if the plant is struggling in its current location. Spring transplanting works well too, though plants will need more careful watering through their first summer. Move struggling perennials immediately rather than waiting for the "perfect" season.

When is the best time to transplant trees, fall or spring?

A: Both fall and spring are excellent for transplanting trees, with fall offering 4-5 months of cooler weather for root establishment before summer stress hits. However, if your tree is struggling in its current location due to poor drainage, inadequate sunlight, or overcrowding, transplant immediately regardless of season. You can successfully transplant any time the ground isn't frozen, as long as you water thoroughly and apply mulch. Move struggling trees to their ideal location now rather than waiting for perfect timing.

Should I transplant evergreens like pines and firs in fall or spring?

A: Evergreens like pines and firs transplant best in early fall (late August through September) when soil is still warm but air temperatures are cooling, allowing roots to establish before winter dormancy. Spring transplanting works well too, but do it early (March-April) before new growth begins and summer heat stress arrives. In zones 3-6, fall gives evergreens 8-10 weeks of root development time before ground freeze. Water deeply twice weekly for the first month and apply 3-4 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Can I transplant shrubs in the fall, or is spring safer?

You can successfully transplant shrubs in both fall and spring, though fall often provides better conditions with 4-5 months of cooler weather for root establishment before summer stress arrives. Fall transplanting works especially well if you're not expecting your first hard freeze within the next week and can water thoroughly and mulch afterward. However, if your shrub is struggling in its current location due to poor drainage, insufficient light, or overcrowding, move it immediately rather than waiting for ideal timing. Water deeply after transplanting and apply 2-3 inches of mulch to help roots establish in their new location.

What is the ideal time to divide and transplant spring-blooming perennials?

A: The ideal time to divide and transplant spring-blooming perennials is in late summer to early fall, typically 6-8 weeks before your first hard frost. This timing allows the plants to establish strong root systems during the cooler fall months without the stress of summer heat, while still giving them adequate time before winter dormancy. In zones 4-6, aim for late August through September, while zones 7-9 can safely transplant through October. Water thoroughly after transplanting and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to protect the newly established roots.

Should fall-blooming perennials be transplanted in fall or spring instead?

Fall-blooming perennials like asters, mums, and anemones should be transplanted in early spring (March-April in zones 5-8) rather than fall to avoid disrupting their bloom cycle. Transplanting these plants in fall can shock them right before their peak flowering season, reducing or eliminating blooms entirely. Spring transplanting gives them a full growing season to establish strong root systems before their autumn show. Move them as soon as soil is workable but before new growth exceeds 3-4 inches tall for best results.

Is it okay to transplant during a heat wave or high temperatures over 90°F?

While transplanting during extreme heat isn't ideal, it's still possible with proper care if your plant is struggling in its current location. During temperatures over 90°F, transplant in early morning or late evening to minimize shock, provide shade cloth for the first week, and water deeply every day. The key is ensuring consistent soil moisture and reducing transpiration stress through temporary shading. If the plant isn't in immediate distress, wait for temperatures below 85°F for better success rates.

When is too late in the fall to transplant plants safely?

You can safely transplant in fall as long as the ground isn't frozen and you're not expecting your first hard freeze within the next week. Plants need time to establish their root systems before winter dormancy sets in, so aim to complete fall transplanting at least 6-8 weeks before your area's average first hard frost date. In northern zones (3-6), this typically means finishing transplanting by early to mid-October, while southern zones (7-10) can transplant well into November or December. Water transplants thoroughly and apply 3-4 inches of mulch to help roots establish before winter.

Can I transplant plants with tap roots, or will it fail?

Transplanting tap-rooted plants like carrots, radishes, and some wildflowers typically fails because their long, central root system doesn't recover well from disturbance. However, young woody plants with developing tap roots (under 2-3 years old) can often be successfully moved in early spring before bud break or in fall 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. For best results with tap-rooted plants, dig the deepest, widest root ball possible and transplant immediately without letting roots dry out.

Should I avoid transplanting blooming shrubs, perennials, or trees?

You can transplant blooming plants, but they'll experience more stress since they're directing energy toward flowers rather than root establishment. Blooming shrubs and perennials may drop their flowers or show reduced blooms for the remainder of the season. For best results, wait until after the bloom period ends, or if the plant is struggling in its current location, transplant immediately and provide extra water and shade protection for 2-3 weeks.