Why Autumn is the Ideal Time for Tree and Shrub Installation

For landscape contractors, fall is more than just a shoulder season, it is a strategic opportunity to create stronger, more resilient landscapes.

Trees and shrubs in particular benefit from fall installation. Because their planting and care needs differ from flowers and groundcovers, taking the time to install them properly in the fall leads to healthier root systems and better long-term outcomes.It’s a message echoed across the industry for good reason: fall is for planting.

Why Timing Matters

Fall’s cooler air and warmer soil create the perfect environment for strong root development, making it a smart time to install trees and shrubs. To take full advantage of the season, contractors should aim to plant at least six to eight weeks before the first hard frost. In colder regions, where the ground freezes earlier, this timing becomes even more important to ensure the roots have time to establish. In milder climates, the window is more flexible, allowing planting to continue later into the season.

Of course, exact timing will vary depending on the species. Refer toyour local extension agency or agricultural college for the best guidelines to ensure you’re planting at the right time and setting your clients up for success in the spring.

Getting Depth and Placement Right

A successful installation begins with getting the depth and spacing right. The root flare (where the trunk begins to widen at the base) should sit at or just above the soil surface. Planting too deeply can restrict airflow around the base and increase the risk of rot. Equally important is giving each plant enough room to reach its mature size. By considering the long-term growth habits of trees and shrubs, you can prevent overcrowding, reduce competition, and set the stage for a healthier, more balanced landscape.

How to Install Trees and Shrubs in Fall

Start by selecting a planting site with the right combination of sunlight and drainage for the specific tree or shrub. It’s important to look beyond how the area appears today and think through how the plant will grow and interact with its surroundings over time.

Once the location is selected, prepare the soil by loosening it thoroughly, clearing out rocks, roots, and debris, and mixing in compost or other amendments as needed to improve structure and fertility. When you’re ready to dig, create a hole that’s two to three times wider than the root ball. This gives the plant’s roots space to spread out and establish more quickly.

Place the plant upright in the center of the hole, spreading the roots naturally and ensuring that the top of the root flare remains visible at the soil surface. Backfill with the native soil, gently tamping to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly to help settle the roots and support early establishment.

Complete the process with a two- to three-inch layer of mulch around the base. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk or stems to prevent moisture buildup and rot. This final step helps moderate soil temperature, retain moisture, and reduce weed competition during the critical first weeks of establishment.

Additional Best Practices

Young trees planted in open or wind-prone areas may require staking to stay upright during their first season. If staking is needed, use a flexible tie system that allows for natural movement, which helps promote stronger trunk development. Be sure to remove stakes after one full growing season to avoid girdling or long-term damage. For convenience, SiteOne offers a range of professional-grade tree staking kits suitable for most planting conditions.

Watering should continue regularly until the ground freezes. Even after leaf drop, trees and shrubs remain active below ground, building out their root systems. Maintaining consistent moisture during this period is essential for strong establishment.

Avoid fertilizing newly installed trees and shrubs in the fall. Standard fertilizers encourage top growth at a time when the plant should be focusing its energy underground. Instead, use a targeted root stimulator to support healthy root development and promote faster acclimation to the site.

Finally, make sure newly planted trees and shrubs are clearly labeled. Visible markers help maintenance teams track plant health through the dormant season and ensure key tasks like pruning, re-mulching, or winter protection aren’t missed.

Why Fall Planting Should Be Part of Every Contractor’s Strategy

For many contractors, fall is an underutilized season, but it doesn’t have to be. Offering fall planting services is a smart way to keep crews busy, generate steady revenue, and deliver long-term value to your clients. When trees and shrubs are installed in fall, they have time to establish strong roots before winter. That means healthier, more vigorous growth come spring. Something your customers will notice and appreciate.

Fall is also the perfect opportunity to educate clients on the benefits of early planting. It opens the door to additional services like soil testing, compost topdressing, mulching, and winter protection. When you package these offerings together, you not only improve plant performance, you also increase your project value and your bottom line.

These installations don’t just lead to better landscapes, they lead to better business. Satisfied clients who see their landscapes thrive in spring are more likely to refer you to others. By marketing fall as a proactive planting window, you can reach homeowners, HOAs, property managers, and commercial clients with messaging focused on results.

Fall isn’t the end of the season, it’s a business opportunity. With the right planning, fall installations can set you apart, grow your reputation, and give your clients a landscape that performs better for seasons to come.

References

• Arbor Day Foundation – Tree Care Tips: Fall Planting
• University of Minnesota Extension – Planting and Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
• Colorado State Forest Service – Fall is Ideal Time to Plant Trees
• Oregon State University Extension – Give Plants a Head Start by Planting in Fall