Our Best-of-Summer Sale is here and so is the fall planting season. Here’s what you need to know about planting in the fall.
When the weather cools and leaves start to change color, the most important thing to remember is that it is NOT too late to plant your trees, shrubs and perennials.
The summer-warmed soil of fall is excellent for root growth. While the plant begins to go dormant and frost may soon damage the leaves, the roots will continue to grow until the ground freezes. This can give your plants a head start for the next growing season.
Spring blooming perennials especially are great to plant this time of year. And since most have finished producing flowers, they will have more energy for root growth. For the best results, plant before October 1st. Make sure to mulch your fall planted perennial beds for protection over the winter.
Don’t forget to water! Your fall plantings still need to be watered weekly-and-deeply until the ground begins to freeze. And in the spring, it is equally important to pick up watering those fall plantings just as regularly though the growing season.
Note: New plantings are vulnerable to winter wind and sun exposure. If you live on an exposed ocean site, fall planting is not recommended.
Last Planting Dates for Trees and Shrubs
At all exposed ocean sites:
September 1st
Deciduous trees and shrubs:
Until the ground freezes.
Broadleaf evergreens:
If the site is shaded and protected from wind, until the ground freezes.
Evergreen trees and shrubs:
Chamaecyparis: October 1st
Hemlock: October 1st
White Pine: November 1st
Red/Austrian Pine: Until ground freezes.
Fir: November 1st in open sites, until the ground freezes in sheltered sites.
Spruce: Until the ground freezes.
Yews: Until the ground freezes. If planted in an open site, consider wrapping to prevent sun burn.
Arborvitae: Until the ground freezes.
