The Best (and Worst) Trees To Plant in Fall
Fall is one of the best times of year for tree planting. The ground is still pretty warm, the air is cool, and new roots have enough time to settle in before winter hits. But not every tree takes well to being planted in fall, and some trees are just bad news no matter when you plant them. If you’re thinking about adding a new tree to your yard, here are the trees worth considering (and the ones to skip altogether).
Plant This: Maples
Maples do well when planted in early fall, and their brilliant leaves make them an easy pick to add to any yard. Red and sugar maples are both known for their color and toughness, and they are great at adapting to different soil types. Their roots grow quickly in the cool autumn months, which helps new trees bounce back even stronger by the time spring comes around. Just be mindful of where you plant them, as some maples have aggressive roots (more on this later). Give them space to grow away from driveways or foundations, and they’ll reward you with decades of shade and beauty.
Plant This: Serviceberry
Serviceberries are one of those trees that you might not realize check all your boxes. They’re easy to grow, work in a wide range of soils, and do especially well when planted in early fall. You’ll get lovely white blooms in spring, followed by tasty berries in early summer and vibrant red-orange foliage in fall. Birds love the fruit, and they're a favorite of gardeners who like to grow something a little different. They're even great in smaller yards where a big tree would be too much for the space.
Plant This: Dogwoods
Flowering dogwoods don’t just bloom beautifully in spring, they’re also a great choice for fall planting. These smaller, decorative trees do well in the stress-free conditions of autumn and need less water to get roots established than some others on this list. Just pick a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil and you’ll be good to go. Dogwoods stay beautiful in every season, with blossoms, red fall foliage, and bright berries that birds love. They're not the fastest growers, but their stunning look more than makes up for it if you have enough patience.
Plant This: Oak Trees
Oaks may be slow growers, but planting them in the fall gives them the head start they need. White oaks in particular are hardy and live for a long time, with strong limbs that don’t snap easily in storms. They need room to grow and time to establish deep roots, which makes fall the perfect season to get them going. If you plant young oaks now, you’re setting up a shade tree that could last for generations. Imagine your grandchildren sitting under the oak tree you planted. Just make sure you plant them far from sidewalks or sewer lines to keep the roots from causing any problems.
Plant This: Crabapples
If you’re looking for a tree that offers spring flowers, fall fruit, and year-round curb appeal, the crabapple should not be overlooked. These trees are surprisingly tough and do well when planted in fall, especially the disease-resistant varieties. They grow well in full sun and attract birds with their tiny apples, making them perfect for wildlife-lovers and birdwatchers alike. Just keep in mind that fallen fruit can get messy, so plant them somewhere where a little cleanup won’t be a big deal. They’re a great way to add a touch of color to any yard.
Avoid: Bald Cypress
While bald cypress trees are beautiful and strong, fall isn’t the best time to plant them. They prefer to go into the ground in spring when they can get a full growing season to establish their roots. These trees can grow very large and tolerate wet soil well, which makes them the perfect choice for swampy areas. But, their delicate new roots struggle with early frosts and colder temperatures. If you are set on planting a bald cypress, mark your calendar and wait until spring rolls back around.
Avoid: Bradford Pear
Bradford pears are fast growers and you might be tempted to plant them in fall to see them bloom in spring, but they’re one of the worst trees to plant in your yard, fall or otherwise. Their limbs are notoriously weak and break easily, especially in storms. They’re also considered invasive in many areas, spreading easily and crowding out native plants. What starts as a cute landscaping tree often turns into an unexpected maintenance headache. If you want a flowering tree, there are much better options on this list that won’t cause the same problems.
Avoid: Silver Maples
As mentioned above, not all maples are created equal. Silver maples grow fast, which seems like a good thing at first, but they have their own set of issues. Their roots are aggressive, often breaking sidewalks, driveways, or water lines. The wood is also soft and breaks easily in high winds or snowstorms, making them a bad choice for any windy area. And fall planting won’t change those downsides. If you're looking for a fast-growing shade tree, consider a red maple or a native option instead. Sometimes, good things are worth the wait.
Avoid: Magnolia Trees
Magnolias may be showstoppers with their big, fragrant blooms, but they don’t love being planted in the fall. Their roots are delicate, and they need a long stretch of warm soil to get established. Fall planting doesn’t give them quite enough time to settle in before the cold weather arrives. In fact, if you live in a colder region, planting them too late can set them back or even kill a young tree. It’s a better idea to save your magnolia dreams for the spring planting season instead.
Avoid: Crape Myrtles
Crape myrtles thrive in warm climates, but they need a solid, full growing season to adjust after they’ve been planted. Putting them in the ground in fall, especially in zones with cold winters, puts their tender roots at risk. These trees are sensitive to frost and benefit from the heat of summer to help them put down roots. If you plant them too late in the year, they may not survive the first freeze. For the healthiest crape myrtles, wait until late spring or early summer to plant.
Fall Planting Sets the Roots for Spring Growth
Fall is one of the best times to plant trees, as long as you pick the right ones. It’s cooler, which causes less stress to new roots, and gives trees enough time to adjust before the heat of summer rolls in. But not all trees are created equal, and choosing carefully now can save you a lot of trouble later. Whether you go with a flowering dogwood or a sturdy oak, you're investing in shade, beauty, and better air for years to come.