Most people think spring is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. Most people are wrong. Fall is actually the ideal planting season for the majority of trees and shrubs, and the science behind it is straightforward: cool air plus warm soil equals the perfect recipe for root growth.
Here is why fall planting works so well, when to plant in your zone, and which trees and shrubs perform best when planted in autumn.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant Trees
In fall, air temperatures drop while soil temperatures stay warm from months of summer heat. That combination is exactly what roots need. Cool air reduces the stress of pushing new leaves, flowers, and stems. Warm soil keeps roots actively growing, spreading out into the surrounding earth and anchoring the plant before winter arrives.
A tree planted in October puts all of its energy into root development. A tree planted in April has to simultaneously grow roots, push new leaves, and manage heat stress. The fall-planted tree enters its first spring with a more established root system and takes off faster than one planted just weeks earlier in spring.
The 6-Week Rule
The critical deadline for fall planting: get your trees and shrubs in the ground at least 6 weeks before your area's average first hard freeze. Six weeks gives roots enough time in warm soil to push new growth and establish a connection with the surrounding earth before the soil temperature drops below 45F and root growth stalls.
Look up your USDA zone's average first frost date and count back 6 weeks. That is your fall planting deadline.
Fall Planting Windows by Zone
| USDA Zone | First Hard Freeze (avg.) | Fall Planting Deadline | Ideal Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3-4 | Mid-October | Early September | August - early September |
| Zone 5 | Late October | Mid-September | September - mid-October |
| Zone 6 | Mid-November | Early October | September - October |
| Zone 7 | Late November | Mid-October | October - early November |
| Zone 8 | Mid-December | Early November | October - November |
| Zone 9-10 | Late December+ | Mid-November | October - December |
In zones 3 and 4, the fall window is narrow. If you miss it, spring planting is the safer bet. In zones 6 through 10, fall planting has a wide, forgiving window.
Best Trees for Fall Planting
Almost every deciduous tree establishes better when planted in fall. Evergreens also do well, though they need consistent watering through fall and winter since they continue to lose moisture through their needles.
Deciduous Trees (Excellent for Fall)
- Maple Trees (browse Maples) - All species establish well in fall. October Glory, Red Sunset, and Sugar Maple are top picks.
- Oak Trees (browse Oaks) - Oaks develop extensive root systems and benefit greatly from fall planting.
- Redbud (browse Redbuds) - Zones 4-9 | Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall, 25-35 ft. wide. Establishes quickly in fall, blooms its first spring.
- Dogwood (browse Dogwoods) - Zones 5-8 | Mature Size: 20-30 ft. tall. Partial shade preferred; fall planting reduces transplant stress.
Evergreen Trees (Good for Fall)
- Green Giant Arborvitae - Zones 5-8 | Mature Size: 40-60 ft. tall, 12-18 ft. wide | Growth Rate: 3-5 ft./year. Fall planting gives it a root head start before the explosive spring growth kick.
- Emerald Green Arborvitae - Zones 3-8 | Mature Size: 12-15 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide. Water well through fall; evergreen foliage loses moisture all winter.
- Holly (browse Holly Shrubs) - Zones 5-9. Broadleaf evergreens establish excellent fall root systems.
Shrubs (Excellent for Fall)
- Hydrangea (browse Hydrangeas) - All types benefit from fall planting and a full winter of root development.
- Boxwood (browse Boxwood) - Zones 5-9. Tough and adaptable; fall planting gives a head start on spring hedge growth.
- Viburnum (browse Viburnum) - Zones 3-8. One of the toughest native shrub groups; thrives when fall-planted.
- Spirea (browse Spirea) - Zones 3-8. Fast-establishing and nearly bulletproof in fall.
What NOT to Plant in Fall
A few plant categories do better waiting for spring:
- Marginally hardy plants in your zone. If a plant is rated for your zone but just barely (you are in zone 5 and the plant is rated 5-9), wait for spring. Fall planting a marginally hardy plant gives it less time to establish before its first winter challenge.
- Tropical and subtropical plants. Crape myrtles in zone 6, gardenias, and other warm-climate plants that are at the edge of their range do better planted in spring when they have the full warm season ahead.
- container-grown stock. container-grown trees are typically only available in spring dormancy. Container-grown plants (which Nature Hills ships) can go in the ground any time, including fall.
Fall Planting Step by Step
- Choose your spot and check utilities. Call 811 before digging.
- Dig the hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball but only as deep. The top of the root ball should sit level with the surrounding soil, or slightly above in heavy clay.
- Remove the plant from its container. Score any circling roots with a knife or your fingers. Butterfly the root ball if it is severely pot-bound.
- Set the plant in the hole and backfill with the native soil you dug out. Do not amend the backfill; you want roots to grow into the real soil, not stay in a pocket of compost.
- Water deeply. Fill the hole with water, let it drain, fill again. This settles the soil and eliminates air pockets.
- Mulch 3 to 4 inches deep over the root zone. Keep mulch 4 to 6 inches away from the trunk. Donut shape, not volcano.
- Water weekly through fall until the ground freezes. Even though temperatures are dropping, roots are still growing and need moisture.
Fall Watering: The Step Most People Skip
The biggest fall planting mistake is assuming that cooler weather means the tree does not need water. Roots grow actively in fall as long as soil temperature is above 45F. That means your newly planted tree needs a deep soak once a week through October, November, and even into December in warmer zones.
Evergreens are especially vulnerable because they continue to lose moisture through their needles all winter. A well-watered evergreen going into winter is far more likely to come through without browning or winter burn.
Start Your Fall Planting Project
Browse Shade Trees, Privacy Trees, and Flowering Shrubs at Nature Hills. Every plant ships container-grown with an established root system, giving you the best possible start for fall planting success.
