Fall is for Planting Shrubs and Trees

Fall is for Planting Shrubs and Trees

By: Brent Wilson

Fall is here, finally. The weather is becoming cooler, and we gardeners are migrating back outdoors after the heat of summer. At one time or another, most everyone has heard the saying 'Fall is for Planting', and it's true! In addition to planting pansies, garden mums and other perennials, Fall is a perfect time to plant trees and shrubs in the landscape. Contrary to popular belief, Fall may be the best season to plant trees and shrubs, surpassing even the spring.

Many people prefer planting shrubs and trees in the Spring, which is a good time for planting, however, planting during the Fall months, and even through winter in the South, offers distinct advantages. Fall planting follows the heat of summer, and precedes a cool winter season. Shrubs and trees planted in Fall use this to good advantage. Plant roots grow anytime the soil temperature is 40 degrees or higher, which may occur all winter in areas of the South. During the winter months, the root systems of the fall-planted specimens develop and become established. When Spring arrives, this expanded root system can support and take advantage of the full surge of spring growth.

If you are planting larger trees and shrubs that have been dug from a field and and have been balled-and-burlapped, the dormant season (late Fall and Winter) is the optimum time for planting these. Balled and burlapped plants have ample time to recover from transplanting and proliferate roots before spring growth begins. Remember however, all bare root plants, including roses and pecan and fruit trees should be planted in late winter when they are completely dormant.

Now that you know Fall is a great time for planting, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Buy Healthy Plants!

When looking for plants to add to your garden, make sure to pick out healthy plants that have been well-grown and taken care of. Always buy from a reputable nursery and garden center. Those in the plant selling business year-round depend on repeat customers, and only by selling customers quality plants can there be assurance of future business. The price tag, especially the cheapest one, is not the best guide for purchasing the best plants. That being said, when it comes to price, you'll find that most local nursery and garden centers are very competitively priced when compared to the big box stores, not to mention the better service, higher quality of plant material and selection found at reputable local nursery and garden centers.

Growing Requirements

All plants have growing requirements. Think about the plant's needs before you invest. Does it grow well in your USDA Zone - do you see the plant or tree growing well in other landscapes nearby? Is it adapted to your area's soil? Will it grow in sun or shade? Does it need a wet or dry location? Is it cold hardy? Some nurseries provide this information on sign stands placed near each group of plants. Other nurseries have websites that provide detailed, accurate information about the plants they sell. Your local extension agent can also provide you with materials about plants that grow well in your area.

The Plant Search is a very useful tool to find plants that meet your specific requirements and that are hardy in your USDA Zone. When using the Plant Search, make sure to always select your USDA Zone first before making other selections.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

A little planning before you plant is always a good rule of thumb. Whether you are planting a single plant or an entire landscape, plan first, before digging. Good planning is a worthwhile investment of time that will pay off in greater enjoyment of attractive and useful home grounds, and in increasing the value of your home. It's much easier to move plants on paper than to dig them after planting in the wrong place. A plan saves many planting mistakes.

If you are new to gardening, and/or are having trouble with deciding what plants to choose and where to put them in your landscape, setting up an appointment to consult with a local professional landscape designer(s) may be necessary in order to achieve your landscape goals. Always get references from a designer or any contractor you are considering to hire to perform work on your property.

Before meeting with a landscape designer, it's a good idea to visit and browse through your local nursery or use the Plant Search on this website to help generate a "plant preference" list. Once you have a plant preference list, a good designer will know exactly where and how to place these plants in your landscape, and will probably add in a few interesting plants not on you list. Also keep in mind that dollars spent on a professional landscape design are usually recouped as most nursery and garden centers offer a substancial discount for customers who have a professional plan.

Plant Properly

You can buy the healthiest plants on the market but if you don't plant them properly they will not grow, and may even die. Consult with your local nursery and garden center professional as to proper planting techniques for specific plants, such as Japanese maples and Azaleas, or visit the Planting Instruction Page to find specific instructions for planting various types of plants and trees.

Fall is for planting. So, visit your local nursery and garden center today, and beautify and add value to your home.

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