Best Trees to Plant This Fall for a Strong Spring Start
Fall is the perfect time of year to plant new trees, giving their root system plenty of time to establish before the heat of summer arrives. As the soil temperature remains warm even after the air temperatures drop, planting trees in the fall sets them up for success come spring. It’s also the ideal time to ensure your landscape is filled with species that provide high ecosystem value, particularly native trees.
Why Native Trees Matter
Goldfinch enjoying the shelter of a tree.
Native trees are a cornerstone of a healthy landscape. According to Doug Tallamy, a leading entomologist and conservationist, native plants—including trees—support local ecosystems in ways that non-native species simply can’t. They provide essential habitats and food for native wildlife, such as birds and pollinators, creating a thriving environment in your own backyard. Planting native trees not only enhances your landscape but contributes to a healthier, more biodiverse ecosystem. For those interested in making eco-conscious choices, my garden consulting services can guide you through selecting the best native trees for your space.
Best Native Trees for Large, Medium, and Small Spaces
Whether you have acres to fill or just a small corner of your yard, there’s a native tree that fits your landscape. The Arbor Day Foundation has outlined basic tree size and spacing guidelines.
Large Trees:
For those with ample space, large native trees such as Sugar Maples (Acer saccharum) and Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) are excellent choices. These deciduous trees thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, offering brilliant fall color and environmental benefits. Sugar Maples are known for their stunning autumnal hues, while Honey Locusts are fast-growing and adaptable to various types of soil, including heavy clay. Planting these trees in the fall ensures their root systems have enough time to grow strong by the following spring. I planted a Honey Locust about 3 years ago thanks to a Lowes clearance find. I get compliments on it every year. It will be a large shade tree, but because of the leaf structure sunlight will be dappled allowing me the versatility to plant more things beneath it. Note: Choose a thornless cultivar.
Medium Trees:
If you’re looking for something that fits a medium-sized yard, consider Red Maples (Acer rubrum) and Linden Trees (Tilia americana). Red Maples provide not only brilliant fall color but also beautiful foliage in the spring. Linden trees are another great choice, known for their heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. Both of these trees can thrive in partial shade and are ideal for fall landscaping.
Small Trees and Container-Grown Options:
Space constraints shouldn’t limit your ability to plant trees. Small native trees, such as Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) or Redbud (Cercis canadensis), are great options for smaller yards. They can even be grown in containers, making them suitable for patios or urban gardens. Deciduous plants like the Redbud provide gorgeous early spring blooms and are excellent for container planting when young. By choosing small native trees, you can still enjoy the benefits of tree planting even if space is limited.
Evergreen Trees:
For year-round greenery and structure in your landscape, native evergreen trees are a fantastic choice. In addition to providing visual interest throughout all seasons, they also offer important habitats for wildlife. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a resilient option for larger spaces, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun, and offering dense foliage that serves as a windbreak and winter shelter for birds. Junipers come in all shapes and sizes so you can find one that fits most any space. For smaller yards or as an accent, consider American Holly (Ilex opaca), with its glossy leaves and red berries providing both beauty and food for wildlife during the colder months. These evergreens ensure your garden stays vibrant and alive, even when deciduous trees have shed their leaves. Looking for more evergreen woody plants? Check out my blog post for some good choices for your landscape.
Why Fall is the Best Season for Planting Trees:
Fall planting is not only beneficial for the health of young trees, but it’s also the perfect time for homeowners. As air temperatures cool and soil temperatures stay warm, new trees have enough time to establish strong root systems before winter arrives. It’s especially important to get trees planted before the ground freezes in late winter, which could prevent roots from absorbing plenty of water.
Additionally, by planting in the fall, you avoid the extreme heat of summer, which can cause a high chance of plant failure for trees that haven't yet been established. The cooler weather reduces transplant shock, and the consistent moisture from fall rains gives trees the hydration they need. Whether you choose deciduous trees or evergreen trees, planting in fall ensures they are well-prepared to thrive the following spring.
Planting and Caring for Trees
Planting trees in the fall gives them a head start by allowing their root systems to establish before the harsher conditions of summer. Here are some essential tips for planting and caring for your new trees:
Choose the Right Location: Ensure your chosen spot has appropriate sunlight and soil conditions. Most trees prefer well-drained soil and full sun, although some, like the American Holly, thrive in partial shade.
Prepare the Soil: Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter to improve its structure and nutrient content. This helps the tree's roots to establish more effectively.
Planting Depth: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. The tree should be planted at the same depth it was in its nursery container. Avoid planting too deep, as this can lead to root rot.
Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Proper watering is crucial for young trees to develop strong root systems.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Staking: For larger trees or those in exposed areas, staking might be necessary to provide stability while the roots establish. Be sure not to stake too tightly, as this can restrict trunk growth.
Ongoing Care: Regularly inspect your trees for signs of pests or diseases and address any issues promptly. Fertilize as needed based on the specific needs of the tree species.
Pruning: Pruning helps maintain the health and shape of your trees. For detailed guidance on proper pruning techniques, check out our comprehensive article on pruning trees here.
By following these tips, your new trees will thrive and enhance your landscape for years to come.
Native Trees for All Landscapes
Oak Trees support the most caterpillars of any other tree.
Here in Ashland, Virginia (Zone 7b), native trees provide outstanding benefits for local ecosystems. Not only do they reduce your need for pest control by supporting beneficial insects, but they also enhance soil health and biodiversity. Planting native trees in fall is a great time to give these beautiful trees a head start.
If you’re interested in planting native trees but unsure of where to start, my garden consulting services can help you design a landscape plan that works for your specific needs. I’ll evaluate your planting site, discuss types of soil, and ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place. Whether you’re looking for large, show-stopping trees like Sugar Maples or small, container-friendly species for tight spaces, I can help you make informed choices that will thrive year-round.
Keep Blooming,
Nicole Dillon
Breemar Flower Farm | Ashland, VA | Zone 7b
