Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Shrubs and Trees

Everybody thinks spring is the best time to plant. That’s the season we all rush to the garden center, full of energy and hope, dreaming of lush borders and shady spots by summer.

But I’ll let you in on a little secret: late summer through early winter is actually the best time to get your shrubs and trees in the ground.

Here’s why:

Fall is the best time to plant shrubs & trees

Warm Soil, Cool Air — The Sweet Spot

In fall, the ground is still warm from the summer sun. That warmth encourages strong root growth. But the air has cooled, which means your plant doesn’t have to fight heat stress at the same time. That combination—warm soil and cool air—is the gold standard for getting roots established.

And here’s the kicker: roots don’t stop growing until the soil drops below 40 degrees. In Virginia, that can be well into December or even January. So when you plant in fall, your new shrubs are building underground strength long before spring even thinks about arriving.

Fall planting requires less watering

Less Watering, More Success

Fall planting cuts down on the babysitting. You don’t have to hover over your new plants with a hose like you do in July. Cooler temps and more consistent rainfall do a lot of the work for you. It’s less stressful for the plants and for you.

They Wake Up Ready

When spring finally comes, fall-planted shrubs wake up like seasoned pros. Their roots are already settled in, and they’re ready to leap into action—blooming, growing, and thriving while spring-planted shrubs are still trying to get their feet under them.

It’s like the difference between showing up to the starting line warmed up and ready versus still lacing up your shoes.

Fewer Bugs, Fewer Problems

Fewer aphids in Fall

By late summer, the worst of the insect season is past. Aphids, mites, beetles—they’re winding down. So your young plants aren’t under attack from the get-go. Fewer pests means a calmer environment for your plants to settle in and succeed.

Weed Pressure Drops

Weeds slow down in the fall, too. That means your new plant won’t be choked out or outcompeted by fast-growing thugs. It’s a gentler, more forgiving time to establish something new.

Mulching in the Fall rebuilds the soil

The Soil Itself Gets Better

Fall is also when the soil starts healing and rebuilding. Mulch, compost, leaves—whatever you layer on top—begins to break down, feeding the microbes and fungi that make healthy soil tick. That underground life is the real magic behind great gardening.

So while your plant may not look like it’s doing much above ground in fall, it’s quietly wiring itself into that living soil web—and that pays off big when spring arrives.

Bottom Line

If you’re planting trees or shrubs, don’t wait. Fall gives you a head start, healthier plants, and less work. It’s the smart gardener’s season—and the results speak for themselves come spring.

And when you’re ready to plant, we’ve got a great selection of Proven Winners® ColorChoice® flowering shrubs and edible landscape plants ready to ship now at

👉 https://sugarmapletradingcompany.com/plants

Small pots. Big potential.

—Jeff