WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO PLANT

Posted on by gardeninglife365

Trees & Shrubs

Residential yard showing a garden with arborvitae trees, flowers, magnolia trees and other shrubs with a landscape of green grass.

When is the best time to plant trees and shrubs? Fall through early Winter tends to be the best time, depending on the region. Planting between these seasons is ideal because temperatures are cooler, and the ground is still warm. The combination of cool air and warm soil stimulates plants’ roots and promotes growth. Recommended temperatures are above freezing and at least 40 degrees for optimal root growth.

Residential yard with green and purple bushes, a crap myrtle and a walkway.
Red camellia bushes in front of a shed. Red petals on the ground.

Planting in Fall also allows trees and shrubs to benefit from rainfall and other moisture during Fall, Winter, and Spring. With these conditions, plants are more likely to be healthy and strong by late Spring and Summer.

Purple Rhododendron in front of a boxwood shrub in a garden.
Giant Arborvitae trees in a yard.

But, should you plant trees and shrubs during Spring or Summer? While you could, it’s not recommended. During these times, it would require more work to ensure plants stay alive. Plants would likely need to be watered and fertilized more frequently because of more sunlight and warmer temperatures. So we suggest, when possible, to plant during Fall when conditions are optimal.