It is a common misconception that fall planting is a bad idea, but actually it’s quite the opposite. While the best time of year to plant will vary per specific type/species of trees and plants, and your climate, generally speaking, fall planting is beneficial for several reasons.
- Fosters Spring Growth – Fall planting of perennial and wildflowers is ideal because it allows for a head start on spring growth. The reason for this is because these root systems will begin to grow after winter as soon as the ground thaws, which will be much earlier than the time that spring soil can be worked for new plants.
Allow For Overwintering – Overwintering is often a necessary part of the growth process for flowering plants. Overwintering involves minimal growth of vegetative tissues and reproductive structures. Come spring, your tulips, daffodils, and bulbs will vibrantly flower early, helping to quickly transform your drab winter yard into a cheerful landscape.- Enjoyable Working Conditions – Maybe you enjoy working in 90-degree weather with strong sunlight, but, for most people this isn’t usually a fun experience. In fact, it can actually be dangerous if not properly hydrated or protected from the sun. Fall’s weather makes planting both comfortable and enjoyable. The good news is that If you are hiring a professional landscaper to do your planting you don’t have to worry about working weather conditions, as they will have much experience working in all types of weather!
- Pollination Support – Did you know that pollinators have trouble finding food sources at the ends of the gardening seasons? By planting in fall and encouraging early spring growth, you are providing food supplies for important human food cycle pollinators like birds, bees, and butterflies.
- Less Water Needed – When the weather is colder, less evaporation occurs. Less evaporation coupled with shorter days encourages the slowdown of photosynthesis. This means that your new plants will need less water than they would if planted in spring. However, it is important to note that fall planting does not eliminate the need for watering all together.
Warm Soil – Your soil is warmer in fall than it is in spring. While it may be easy to assume that soil warms up as quick as you do on the first day of spring, it can’t. Months of hot summer weather have allowed for your soil to heat up, and remain warm. Just as soil does not warm up immediately at the start of spring, soil also does not freeze or become too cool at the very start of fall either. - Less Stress – Summer heat can put quite a bit of stress on your trees and plants. A tree undergoing stress shortly after being planted could be detrimental to its health and survival. Fall planting allows for the roots to “set up shop” for the winter’s resting period, and come back strong in spring.
Your Fall Planting List:
- Spring Bulbs
- Pansies
- Cool-Season Vegetables
- Turfgrass
- Perennials
- Most Species of Trees & Shrubs
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We know that for most, the idea of winter approaching is daunting. But, it doesn’t have to be! Fall planting will give you something cheerful to look forward to come early spring, and it will also help to get your property ready for the winter. We know that your fall home-maintenance and to-do list is already long enough, so let Red Cedar take your fall planting and landscaping projects off your list and put it onto ours! When hiring the professionals at Red Cedar, you can find comfort in that fact that our years of experience and knowledge will allow us to put together (and execute) the best fall planting and landscaping plan for your home’s needs! Contact us today for your free consultation, and let us lighten your fall homeowner to-do list