Spring is the season many associate with new beginnings, growth, and warming temperatures. Nature waking from a cold winter as the air begins to warm, days get longer and plants begin to bloom - but is it the right time for planting? Many experts would agree but there are some major advantages to planting trees and shrubs in the fall. In fact, many of these factors play such an important role that fall planting is gaining momentum and can actually allow for a greater abundance in plant growth and life once the spring season arrives.

Fall planting should be given some consideration, especially when dealing with certain climates and general seasonal conditions. These different impacts of weather obviously can have an effect on plant growth but by taking into account the potential for what each season has in store, once analyzed, fall of the year is actually an ideal time for sprucing up your landscape.

Especially when considering to add trees around your home or business, consulting the opinion of an expert is suggested. While flowers and other plants may be more easily moved, changed, or relocated, adding trees is an entirely different process and one that, if properly cared for, will last well into the future. These steps need to be given thought before the process begins and fall provides a good time for the application.

Following are five significant benefits to fall planting and why it’s becoming the new “spring”.

Soil Temperatures

While soil and ground temperatures are increasing in the spring, awakening from the cold and frozen winter, they are already nice and plenty warm in the fall. Think about getting out of a hot bath or shower in the winter versus during the summertime. In winter, your body has been heated by the water, then is extremely cold when exposed to the air. Eventually you warm back up but at first it is a bit shocking and uncomfortable - this is springtime planting. 

Opposite, is exiting a hot shower in the summertime when air temperatures are considerably warmer. Almost immediately your body adapts to the warmer air because you have been hot and remain so when finished. A much quicker and more comfortable scenario correlating to fall planting.

Ground temperatures are high and remain warm enough to generate growth well into the winter. This allows for plants, especially trees, to have a smooth transition from nursery to being installed at your residence.

Less Watering Required

When planting in the spring plants require an enormous amount of care and water. Due to the increasing heat and intensity of the sun, water must be utilized effectively and often multiple times during the day in order to achieve success. Fall planting occurs during a cooler period of the year with less direct sunlight leading to a reduction in the amount of water required to achieve similar results.

Established Root Growth

For already established plants and trees, the fall presents a time for them to focus on growing the root system instead of outward and upward above the soil. What you can see is a tree losing its leaves and beginning to grow dormant as the winter approaches, but underground all of the nutrients are being utilized to continually strengthen the root system.

In the spring, plants are concerned about blooming and growing on the outside or producing fruit. These factors can strip away nutrients and other beneficial applications from a root system. If initially planted in the spring, a roots system can be less developed than that of a fall counterpart. Although tree roots grow the most in early summer, the growth spurt seen in fall of the year can be more helpful to a newly planted tree.

Air Temperatures

Cooler air temperatures and shortening days can help both the gardner and their trees or shrubs. In similar comparison to ground and soil temperatures, the air temperatures can have an impact on newly planted trees.

Spring sees the air temperatures increasing exposing new life almost immediately to harsh conditions in some circumstances. The cooler fall days allow a new plant or tree to more comfortably acclimate to their new environment.

In addition, the work of planting and general yard maintenance for individuals is less strenuous than battling the increasing temperatures of spring so not only is this one helpful to the plants but people as well.

Spring Growth Increase

An already existing plant will see a boost in growth once the first spring arrives after having been planted in the fall. These trees, plants and shrubs get acclimated to the climate, enjoy the benefits of root growth establishment, and are ready for a sizeable spurt once winter passes. 

When the growing season arrives and air temperatures begin to increase then the plant will flourish above the surface. Once the soil temperatures catch up then both the root system and portion of any tree or plant in view will expand. 

Also, instead of having to immediately care for a tree or plant that has just been planted in the spring and in need of water and protection from extremes, a fall planted item has already established a bit of history and resistance so it can focus on growth only and not survival. 

Ready to plant new trees and shrubs in your yard? The addition of trees to your landscaping adds a wonderful aesthetic while providing shade and shelter for wildlife and other critters. It is important to understand the specifics of planting new trees before you dive into it yourself. How deep to dig, what size tree to purchase, the growth pattern of the new tree, and so on. We provide planting services throughout the Denver metro area including, Aurora, Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills, Denver, Englewood, Lakewood & Littleton. When you're ready to get started, contact Arbor Garden and let us do the dirty work. 
In addition to planting new trees & shrubs in the Denver area, we can advise on how to make sure your new additions thrive. Getting your trees on a consistent watering schedule until the roots take hold is vital to their success. With full-service planting and landscaping capabilities in Denver, Arbor Garden is proud to offer a 1-year guarantee on all newly planted trees and shrubs. Our plant health care experts hand-select all trees and shrubs from Alameda Wholesale Nursery, a family-owned nursery in the South Denver area for over 72 years. 
Let Arbor Garden recommend appropriate trees and shrubs specifically for your property and lifestyle. Contact Pete Evers at Arbor Garden for a personal consultation at 303-722-8820 or simply Inquire Online Here.