Late fall and winter are excellent times to plant trees and shrubs, contrary to what many homeowners might think. While we often think of spring as the prime planting season, there are several advantages to planting during the cooler months. Our guide explores the benefits of late-season planting, provides tips for success, and addresses common concerns about planting trees and shrubs when temperatures drop.
Why Plant Trees and Shrubs in Late Fall or Winter?
Planting trees and shrubs in late fall or winter offers several benefits for the plants and the homeowner. During this time, plants enter or are already dormant, reducing stress on newly transplanted specimens. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall typical of these seasons also create favorable conditions for root establishment.
Understanding Plant Dormancy
Dormancy is a natural process where plants slow down their growth and conserve energy during colder months. This vital phase allows trees and shrubs to weather the challenges of harsh winter conditions and primes them for the spring growth surge. When planting during dormancy, the roots can grow and establish themselves in the soil before they face the vigorous demands of new growth in spring.
Advantages of Late-Season Planting
Late fall and winter planting have several advantages, such as reduced watering needs due to cooler temperatures, increased rainfall, and less competition from weeds and pests due to colder weather. Winter plantings also provide more time for root development before the hustle of spring growth begins. As a bonus, you may find lower prices on nursery stock as the growing season concludes.
When to Plant in Late Fall or Winter
The ideal window varies depending on the local climate and specific plant species. Generally, it’s best to plant at least a month before the ground freezes to allow for some root establishment.
Determining the Right Planting Window
In most regions, late fall planting occurs from mid-October through early December. Winter planting may also be feasible in areas with milder climates where the ground doesn’t freeze. To pinpoint the best planting dates, consult with your local gardening resources that provide information tailored to your region’s climate and soil conditions.
What to Consider About Different Plant Types
Different types of plants have varying optimal planting times, dictated by their biological rhythms and environmental needs:
- Deciduous trees and shrubs: Ideally planted after leaf drop but before the ground freezes to create a steady path for the roots to expand.
- Evergreens: These can comfortably settle in until late fall but may benefit significantly from earlier planting to maximize root development before the onset of winter.
- Bare-root plants: Often reserved for very early spring planting while still dormant, taking advantage of their streamlined propagation requirements.
How to Plant Trees and Shrubs in Late Fall or Winter
Follow these steps for the best possible start for new trees and shrubs.
Preparing the Planting Site
Before planting, choose a location that aligns with the plant’s sunlight exposure and soil needs to foster optimal growth conditions. Then, test soil drainage capabilities and amend it if necessary to avoid waterlogging, which can harm roots. Lastly, clear the site of any competing weeds and debris, establishing a clean slate for the new additions.
Planting Process
When planting trees and shrubs in late fall or winter, follow these guidelines to encourage healthy growth:
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root flare to provide plenty of room for expansion.
- Gently remove the plant from its container, loosening any circling roots to facilitate unhindered root spreading.
- Place the plant in the hole, placing the root flare slightly above ground level to avoid burying it too deeply.
- Backfill with native soil, avoiding excessive changes which can alter the soil structure.
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets that hinder root contact with soil nutrients.
Caring for Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs
Proper care after planting supports the longevity of trees and shrubs planted in late fall or winter.
Watering
While plants are in a dormant state, they still require water to support root establishment. Homeowners should water their plants immediately after planting to provide a reservoir of moisture around the roots.
Continue watering every week or two until the ground freezes, checking the moisture level to sustain root health. Finally, pay particular attention to watering before a hard freeze to bolster plants against the harsh conditions.
Mulching
Mulching safeguards new plantings through the winter months by slowing evaporation and insulating roots.
For best results, apply a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature fluctuations. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot and rodent damage.
Lastly, extend mulch to the plant’s drip line for insulating benefits and soil nourishment.
Protection from Cold and Wildlife
In regions with severe winter conditions or high wildlife activity, take additional protective measures, such as wrapping trunks of young trees to protect against sunscald and animal damage, which can compromise the plant’s growth. Add fencing to deter deer and other animals.
We also recommend installing burlap screens to shield evergreens from drying winter winds and intense sunlight that can lead to desiccation.
Common Concerns and Solutions
Homeowners often express concerns about late-season planting, but you can manage many of these issues with the following solutions.
Frost Heaving
Frost heaving is a phenomenon that occurs when freezing and thawing cycles push plants out of the ground. To prevent frost and freeze, anchor plants securely with proper planting techniques and apply a thick layer of mulch to moderate soil temperature variations. Water well before the ground freezes to maintain soil cohesion.
Winter Burn
Winter burn often affects evergreens exposed to dry winds and sun, leading to browning or desiccation. To protect against this, choose planting locations wisely, opt for sites with naturally protective features, and employ anti-desiccant sprays on particularly vulnerable plants as an extra defense. We also recommend establishing windbreaks for exposed plantings.
Delayed Growth in Spring
Sometimes, plants experience delayed leafing in the spring after late-season planting. This delay is usually a regular part of their adaptation process—not a cause for concern.
Refrain from fertilizing until you observe active growth that aligns with the plant’s natural growth rhythm. Then, prune away any branches damaged in winter once new growth begins to support the plant’s revitalization efforts.
What to Plant in Late Fall or Winter
While you can plant many trees and shrubs in late fall or winter, certain species are particularly well-suited to this time of year.
Best Trees for Late-Season Planting
Trees that typically do well when planted in fall or winter include:
- Oak: Known for its sturdy nature and adaptability.
- Maple: Valued for its vibrant foliage and hardiness.
- Elm: Appreciated for its resistance to cold and architectural presence.
- Crabapple: Offers aesthetic blooms and disease resistance.
- Pine: Evergreen reliability and resilience make it a winter staple.
Shrubs Suited for Cool-Season Planting
Certain shrubs are renowned for their ability to thrive when planted late in the season:
- Viburnum: Offers diverse bloom types and excellent tolerance to cold.
- Forsythia: Known for early spring blooms and vigor.
- Lilac: Famed for fragrant flowers and chilly climate compatibility.
- Boxwood: Provides structure and is hardy through various conditions.
- Holly: Celebrated for its evergreen foliage and winter resilience.
