Ask an Arborist: Why Should I Plant in the Fall?

One of the most common misconceptions of fall planting is that it is too cold to plant in the late fall. In reality, fall planting is preferred in many areas because it gives seedlings more time to establish their root systems and acclimate to the warm weather in the spring and summer. Because trees go dormant in the winter, they require little to no care.

At the Arbor Day Foundation, we intentionally wait until after the first frost before shipping out our trees during the fall season. This ensures the trees are dormant when they arrive. Although it is cold outside, trees can be planted until the ground is frozen solid. If you’re able to stick a spade in the ground, you’re still able to plant your trees.

Pro Tip: to make it easier to plant in the fall, pre-dig your holes before your trees arrive and store the soil from the holes in a garage or tool shed to prevent it from hardening.

Be sure to mulch and water your tree after planting. Mulch is important to retaining moisture. But it’s also important in the fall to prevent the possibility of freezing and thawing that can lead to frost heaving.

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Can I plant trees in a pot?

Many people opt to plant in pots when they can’t plant their trees right away. However, we don’t encourage planting in a pot as there are many dangers that come with that. The changing temperatures can freeze the soil in the pot and lead to it cracking. There also isn’t enough aeration. Trees need water and oxygen to thrive, because of a pot’s constricted space, the tree will get little oxygen.

Ask an Arborist: How do I Plant Bare-root Trees?

If you’re not able to plant right away, consider heeling in your trees and then transplanting them when it is appropriate.