Fall Tree Planting Guide: Best Practices for 2026

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant Trees

Fall planting gives trees a head start. Warm soil encourages root growth while cooler air temperatures reduce transplant stress and water demand. Trees planted in fall establish roots over winter and resume growth vigorously in spring.

Best Trees to Plant in Fall

Shade Trees

Oaks, maples, and elms establish well when planted in autumn. Their root systems continue growing until soil temperatures drop below 40 degrees F, giving them months of head start over spring-planted trees.

Evergreens

Pines, spruces, and arborvitae benefit from fall planting. However, they need adequate watering through autumn because they continue to lose moisture through their needles even in cold weather.

Step-by-Step Fall Tree Planting

1. Choose the Right Location

Consider the tree's mature size, sun exposure, and soil drainage. Avoid planting too close to buildings, power lines, or underground utilities. Check with your local utility service before digging.

2. Dig the Right Hole

Make the hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper. The root flare (where trunk widens at the base) should sit slightly above ground level. Planting too deep is the number one cause of tree failure.

3. Prepare and Position the Tree

Remove containers and burlap. Tease out circling roots to encourage outward growth. Place the tree in the hole and check that the root flare is visible above the soil line.

4. Backfill and Water

Fill the hole with native soil (do not amend the backfill). Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Add more soil if settling exposes roots.

5. Mulch Properly

• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch in a wide ring around the tree
• Keep mulch 3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot
• Extend mulch to the drip line if possible

Fall Planting Timeline

Plant deciduous trees from leaf drop until the ground freezes. Evergreens should be planted at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost to allow root establishment.

Water newly planted trees weekly until the ground freezes. A slow, deep watering is more effective than frequent shallow ones.