While spring often takes the limelight as the planting season, fall actually offers the best conditions for establishing shrubs, trees, and lawns. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, cooler weather and increased rainfall creates the perfect environment for root growth. Planting now gives new trees, shrubs, and lawns a head start, ensuring stronger, healthier landscapes for years to come.
Fall planting also benefits local pollinators like birds, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, as plants will bloom earlier in the spring, providing vital food sources. The season is just one key to gardening success, proper planting and care of new trees and shrubs are also essential.
Guidelines from Down to Earth Living for Successful Fall Planting
Ideal Growing Conditions:
The cooler temperatures of fall provide ideal conditions for planting new trees and shrubs, as the warm soil from summer allows roots to grow and anchor before the ground freezes. This extended root development period gives the plants a head start for vigorous growth in the spring.
Reduced Stress on Plants:
Planting during the fall reduces the stress on both plants and gardeners alike. Unlike the scorching heat of summer or the harsh conditions of winter, fall provides a mild climate that minimizes the chances of heat stress and water evaporation. This allows newly planted trees and shrubs to adjust more comfortably, without the pressure of extreme weather conditions.
Ample Moisture Availability:
Fall often brings more rainfall, providing a natural irrigation system for new plants. Increased moisture helps with plant establishment and reduces watering needs. Additionally, the lower temperatures result in slower evaporation rates, allowing plants to absorb water effectively.
Less Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases:
During the fall, many pests and diseases that typically plague plants during the warmer months begin to decrease in activity. This means that newly planted trees and shrubs face a lower risk of harmful organisms that could impede their growth. This environment supports healthier growth for young plants.
Opportunity for Root Establishment:
Trees and shrubs planted in the fall can focus their energy on root establishment rather than expending resources on foliage and flower production. This enables them to develop strong and extensive root systems that provide a sturdy foundation for future growth.
Cost and Availability:
Fall is often considered the “off-season” for planting, which means that garden centers and nurseries might offer discounts on trees and shrubs as they make way for new inventory. This makes it a cost-effective time to invest in your landscaping endeavors.
“Shrubs and trees planted in the fall prosper in the spring because their root systems have had time to develop and strengthen,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living. “In fact, they continue to caliper up during the winter months and store nutrients for spring use. When dormancy ends, they are ready to grow with greater vigor and resilience.”
Have you been to Down to Earth Living?
Down to Earth Living Garden Center, located in Pomona in Rockland County, offers 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new arrivals every week. The 10,000 square foot showroom also houses a large and unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum and all-weather dining and deep-seating furniture. The center is open
Down to Earth Living is located close to Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, New York and is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily. For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit dtliving.com.
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