Spring is traditionally thought of as the time to start gardens and put plants into the Earth, but there are some benefits to doing it in the fall. If you are already looking forward to spring to get out your gardening gloves, don’t wait! Fall is a perfect time to plant some trees and shrubs.
One of the most enjoyable reasons to plant trees and shrubs in the fall is that they are on sale. They generally cost must more than perennial and annual flowers, so saving money on these larger landscaping features can either allow you to get more or allow more money for later. Take your pick! Nurseries will discount much of their summer stock to make room for winter showcases, and you can take advantage of these discounts.
Another good reason to plant during the fall is that the ground is warm, which is actually a drawback to spring planting. Plants do very well when planted in warm conditions that allow for moisture to penetrate and the roots to absorb nutrients. Winter planting is not a good option, but the warm temps of summer linger in the ground during the fall.
While the ground is warm, the air is cool. This means that the trees or shrubs you plant in the fall will not be stressed by drought-like conditions from the heat. This gives the plant time to establish itself before dormancy too, which greatly increases its chance of survival.
No drought-like conditions means that there will be moisture for your plant with regular watering. It won’t suffer the dryness that goes along with the heat of summer. The cool air will help to keep moisture in the ground, and your watering efforts will be fully utilized by your fall-planted trees and shrubs.
Because of all the reasons above, planting trees and shrubs in the fall provides a good environment for their roots. This is because they are in an optimal growth environment of warm soil, cool air, and moisture that would make any plant liven up and take root for the winter. While spring and summer are traditional root-growing seasons, the fall is not sub-par, and roots can still establish themselves prior to winter.
So there it is! You don’t have to wait until spring as long as you get your trees and shrubs soon.
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