Fall is the Best Time to Plant Trees—Here's How

When it comes to planting a new tree, spring has become the default season but in most areas, it’s actually better to plant a tree in fall.

While the best time to plant varies from region to region, fall is a better time to put in new fruit trees and ornamental trees if you live in an area that has distinct seasons. (Areas with moderate, consistent temperatures year-round can usually plant in any season.)

Here’s why you should plant a tree in fall and exactly how to do it.

Less stress on the tree

Trees planted in spring have a lot of pressure on them: They need to grow new leaves and new roots, all at the same time.

Photosynthesis and root development require sugar reserves that are generally stored in the roots, which means spring-planted trees go into these challenges as soon as they hit the ground.

Trees planted in fall, however, get to enjoy the milder weather with none of the pressures of growing up too fast. They can focus their energy on growing more roots, rather than growing new foliage.

Warmer soil

In spring, we’re anxiously waiting for the ground to thaw and the soil to be “workable” before we can finally get out in the garden and start planting.

But in fall? The soil is actually warmer then than in spring. That’s because it’s been warmed up all summer long and stays warm—long enough for a tree to establish roots and absorb nutrients before it goes dormant.

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