One of the most common misconceptions of fall planting is that it is too cold to plant in the late fall. In reality, fall planting is preferred in many areas because it gives seedlings more time to establish their root systems and acclimate to the warm weather in the spring and summer. Because trees go dormant in the winter, they require little to no care.
At the Arbor Day Foundation, we intentionally wait until after the first frost before shipping out our trees during the fall season. This ensures the trees are dormant when they arrive. Although it is cold outside, trees can be planted until the ground is frozen solid. If you’re able to stick a spade in the ground, you’re still able to plant your trees.
Pro Tip: to make it easier to plant in the fall, pre-dig your holes before your trees arrive and store the soil from the holes in a garage or tool shed to prevent it from hardening.
Be sure to mulch and water your tree after planting. Mulch is important to retaining moisture. But it’s also important in the fall to prevent the possibility of freezing and thawing that can lead to frost heaving.
Can I plant trees in a pot?
Many people opt to plant in pots when they can’t plant their trees right away. However, we don’t encourage planting in a pot as there are many dangers that come with that. The changing temperatures can freeze the soil in the pot and lead to it cracking. There also isn’t enough aeration. Trees need water and oxygen to thrive, because of a pot’s constricted space, the tree will get little oxygen.
Ask an Arborist: How do I Plant Bare-root Trees?
If you’re not able to plant right away, consider heeling in your trees and then transplanting them when it is appropriate.
Do you ship trees in the spring? I bought a dawn redwood and a white oak last year and planted them in the fall. Neither of them survived the winter. I would like to try again, this time in the spring.
Hi George,
We do ship in the spring. We’re sorry to hear about your trees, but we would be happy to send you replacements. Please give us a call at 888-448-7337 so we can get a replacement order set up for you.
I am trying to find out about the free trees I sent for in Aug 2018
Hi Ann, we’d be happy to check on the status of your order, however we need your mailing address to locate your account. Please call our Member Services team toll free at 888-448-7337, Monday- Friday from 8 AM- 7 PM, Central Time for assistance. Or, you can email the team at info@arborday.org.
Thanks, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Would it be a bad idea to slightly water the soil that reserve in the tool shed every so often?
Couldn’t hurt to keep it moist.