Why Fall Is One of the Best Times to Plant Trees and Shrubs in Virginia

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:00:06 GMT

Thinking about adding trees or shrubs to your landscape? Fall may be one of the best times of year to do it.

Cooler weather allows newly planted trees to focus more energy on establishing roots before the heat and active growth of the following season.

1. Cooler Temperatures Reduce Transplant Stress

When a tree or shrub is planted during the heat of summer, it must deal with two major demands at the same time: establishing a new root system and supporting its leaves and branches.

Fall changes that equation.

As temperatures cool and plants begin moving toward dormancy, water demand generally decreases. This gives newly planted trees and shrubs an opportunity to establish roots without the intense heat and moisture demand associated with summer.

2. Root Growth Can Continue After Top Growth Slows

One of the biggest advantages of fall planting is that the root system can continue developing even after the visible growth of the tree has slowed.

A newly planted tree has experienced some degree of root disturbance during harvesting, transportation, and planting. Establishing a healthy root system is therefore critical to the tree's long-term success.

3. Fall Planting Gives Trees a Head Start on Spring

A properly planted tree can spend the fall and dormant season establishing itself in its new location.

When spring arrives, the tree is already positioned in its new environment and can transition into active growth.

Instead of using the entire spring and summer simply trying to recover from planting, a properly established root system gives the tree a better foundation for future growth.

This is especially important because the quality of planting and early care can have a major influence on a tree's long-term health and structure.

4. Proper Planting Matters More Than Simply Choosing the Right Season

Planting in fall doesn't automatically guarantee success.

How the tree is planted is just as important as when it is planted.

Best Management Practices for Tree Planting covers several important considerations, including:

Selecting the appropriate tree for the site
Evaluating planting conditions
Selecting quality nursery stock
Preparing the planting hole
Proper planting techniques
Root management
Post-planting pruning
Early tree care

A healthy tree planted incorrectly can struggle for years.

One of the most common problems is planting a tree too deeply. The root flare—the area where the trunk begins spreading into the major roots—should be properly positioned rather than buried beneath excessive soil.

5. Mulch Helps Protect New Plantings

After planting, proper mulching can help conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures.

It is recommended to use approximately 2–3 inches of mulch around newly planted trees, while keeping mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.

Avoid the common practice of creating a large mound of mulch around the trunk—sometimes called a "mulch volcano."

Instead, mulch should be spread over the root zone while leaving space immediately around the trunk.

6. Planting Trees/Shrubs Is an Investment in Your Property

A properly selected and planted tree can provide benefits for decades.

Trees can provide:

Shade
Wildlife habitat
Improved curb appeal
Energy benefits
Privacy
Wind protection
Improved landscape aesthetics
Environmental benefits

But those benefits depend heavily on establishing the tree correctly from the beginning.

When Should You Plant Trees in Central Virginia?

For homeowners in the Bedford, Forest, Lynchburg, and Smith Mountain Lake areas, fall after leaf drop is generally an excellent planting window for many trees and shrubs.

However, there isn't one calendar date that works for every species or situation.

Planting should take into account:

Tree or shrub species
Nursery stock type
Soil conditions
Weather
Soil moisture
Site conditions
Available rooting space
Long-term growth requirements

The goal isn't simply to get a tree into the ground.

The goal is to give that tree the best possible start.

Plant the right tree. Plant it in the right place. Give it the right start.

almond-arboriculture