Spring may get most of the attention in the garden, but fall is actually one of the best times of year to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. Cooler temperatures, warm soil and typically more consistent moisture create excellent conditions for establishing new plants—and can give your landscape a head start on next spring.
Whether you're adding a few plants to an existing garden or planning a larger landscape project, fall is a great time to get growing.
Cooler Weather Means Less Stress
The heat of summer can be tough on newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials. As temperatures moderate in the fall, plants lose less moisture through their leaves and generally require less frequent watering.
The cooler weather is also more comfortable for gardeners, making September and early fall an ideal time to tackle projects you may have been putting off during the summer.
The Soil Is Still Warm
While the air may be getting cooler, the soil retains warmth well into fall. That combination is particularly beneficial for new plantings.
Instead of putting energy into producing lots of new leaves and flowers, plants can concentrate on developing their root systems. Those roots can continue growing until the soil becomes cold, helping plants become established before winter arrives.
Get a Head Start on Spring
Plants established in the fall are already in place when spring arrives. As temperatures warm, they can begin growing without first having to recover from the stress of being transplanted.
That stronger root system can help plants handle the warmer and drier conditions of the following summer, while giving you a more established-looking landscape earlier in the season.
Fall Is a Great Time to Evaluate Your Landscape
By the end of summer, it's often easier to see what your landscape really needs. Maybe a garden bed has an empty spot, an overgrown shrub needs to be replaced, or an area could use more privacy, structure or seasonal color.
This makes fall an excellent time not only to plant, but also to plan.
Not Sure What to Plant? We Can Help.
Choosing the right plants is about more than finding something that looks good at the garden center. Sun exposure, soil conditions, available space, drainage, mature plant size and your goals for the landscape all play a role in determining what will thrive.
That's where an Estabrook's Garden Consultation can help.
Our garden consultations give you personalized recommendations for your property and gardening goals. Whether you're refreshing an existing bed, choosing plants for a challenging location or starting a new garden, we can help you develop a plan and select plants that are well suited to your space.
Fall is an especially good time for a consultation because there's still time to put many of those recommendations into action this season—and anything you don't complete can become part of your plan for next spring.
Make the Most of the Fall Planting Season
Don't assume the gardening season is over when summer ends. Fall offers some of the year's best planting conditions and a valuable opportunity to improve your landscape before winter.
Explore our plant selection to see trees, shrubs, perennials and more, or schedule a Garden Consultation and let us help you make a plan for a more beautiful landscape.