What Does Fall Planting Mean to You

Emily's Gardening Almanac

Timely Tips from a
Professional Gardening Expert

What Does Fall Mean to You?

To many, fall is the most beautiful time of the year with its painted landscapes. It is a time of harvest and maturing of the garden. To the gardener it is a season full of activity including planting and preparation for winter rest. To plant in the fall requires that you are patient and able to appreciate delayed gratification.

Most nursery plants are great candidates for fall planting. These plants usually come from the nursery with well developed root systems. They like the cooler air temperatures. Trees and shrubs planted in the fall usually perform better the following year than trees and shrubs planted in the spring.

Shrubs and trees that are planted in the fall grow roots because the soil is still warm and the plants are not being required to produce flowers and new leaves. This allows them to concentrate their energy on growing roots. Most of these trees and shrubs are entering their dormant period so they do not experience as much transplant shock. When spring arrives, these newly planted trees and shrubs are ready to get a jump on growing lush foliage and blooms.

Guide to Fall Planting

Remember that smaller plants establish themselves faster than larger plants.

Complete a soil test so you know the pH of your soil and the nutrient requirements. When possible, prepare you soil by tilling a planting bed and adding compost or organic matter. Remember – do not add sand or peat moss to clay soil.

Select the right trees and shrubs for your landscape.

Consider the plant’s mature height and spread before making your selection. Answer these questions:

  1. Does the plant need sun or shade?
  2. Does it flower?
  3. When does it flower?
  4. What type of maintenance will be required?
  5. What are the soil requirements?

Choose healthy plants. The stem, foliage, and bark should look healthy. Avoid plants that are damaged or have insect or disease problems. When possible, look at the roots. Plants should have well developed roots that are white and not encircling the root ball.

Transporting your plants home

Do not handle plants by their stems or trunk. Always handle by the container. Do not stand your plants up in the back of a truck since wind exposure during the transport home can damage foliage. Plants placed in the back of a truck should be laid down and covered. Water the plants as soon as you arrive home. If you are not planting right away, place them in a location away from sun and wind.

Planting the shrubs or trees

Water the plants prior to planting. Make sure your soil is well drained before planting. The planting hole should be 3 to 5 times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root ball. Loosing the soil several feet away from the plant will encourage root growth away from the root ball. Do not plant too deep, the soil line should be the same as the original soil line or a little higher. Gently fill the hole with soil removed from the hole until the hole is half filled and then slowly water to remove any air pockets. Finish filling the hole with soil.

Apply a 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch and water slowly and thoroughly. Do not fertilize this newly planted shrub or tree after planting. Water frequently and slowly (about every 4 days in the absence of rain) until the root system is established.

Contact your local extension office for more information on fall planting. Request a copy of the Successful Gardenersm “Tree Planting Guide”. You may also visit the Successful Gardenersm website for a copy of the “Tree Planting Guide”.

Emily L. Revels
Extension Agent
Consumer Horticulture
Cumberland County
(910) 321-6870

Distributed in furtherance of the acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

Emily Lucas Revels

Agriculture Horticulture Family & Consumer Science 4-H Community Resource Development Hotline Home

Created by Susan Johnson, System Administrator, September 2005