{"id":25460,"date":"2026-10-12T10:50:06","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T14:50:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/?p=25460"},"modified":"2026-10-13T11:37:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T15:37:50","slug":"can-i-plant-trees-in-the-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/can-i-plant-trees-in-the-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Plant Trees in the Fall?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Purdue Landscape Report:<\/a> Fall is one of my favorite times of year. The temperatures begin to cool, the humidity drops, and the landscape starts its annual transformation as trees trade their summer greens for shades of yellow, orange, and red. For those of us who enjoy spending time outdoors, it can also be one of the most pleasant times of year to work in the landscape.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/a>As fall approaches, one question I frequently hear is:
\n\u201cIs fall a good time to plant a tree?\u201d The answer is yes!<\/strong><\/p>\n

In fact, fall can be an excellent time to add a new tree to your landscape. Cooler temperatures and decreased drought stress can make the transition from nursery to landscape less stressful for newly planted trees. As long as you select an appropriate tree, plant it correctly, and provide proper care after planting, a fall planting can give a tree an excellent start.<\/p>\n

Why plant trees in the fall?<\/strong><\/em>
\nOne of the biggest advantages of fall planting is the weather. Compared with the heat of summer, cooler fall temperatures reduce heat stress and typically lower evapotranspiration\u2014the amount of water lost from plants and soil to the atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Fall also shifts the tree\u2019s priorities. Rather than putting most of its energy into producing new shoots and leaves, a deciduous tree is preparing for dormancy and continuing to develop its root system. Planting during this period can allow roots to become established before the tree has to deal with the heat and water demands of the following summer.<\/p>\n

Of course, cooler temperatures and fall rainfall do not eliminate the need to water a newly planted tree. Newly installed trees still require regular attention while their root systems become established.<\/p>\n

What should I consider when planting in the fall?<\/strong><\/em>
\nThere are a few important considerations to keep in mind.<\/p>\n