Autumn is the Best Time to Plant Shrubs | Gardener's Path

Why Autumn is the Best Time for Planting Shrubs

The cooler temperatures of fall are an invitation to leave the blast-chiller air conditioning behind, and step outside and enjoy that certain crispness that characterizes autumn.

And while you’re out there, why not install a few shrubs into your landscape? As with trees, autumn is generally considered to be the best time to plant ornamental bushes.

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Let’s learn why you should plant in autumn, what “fall” really means, and how to plant woody plants!

For one thing, as we mentioned above, the weather is cooler but still tolerable in fall. Humidity is often lower, too.

Do you really want to be sweating buckets while digging holes in August? Me neither. So, to start with, fall is a comfortable and enjoyable time to be outdoors.

More importantly, however, planting shrubs in the fall allows the plants to establish an extensive root system before winter sets in.

In fall, the plants aren’t programmed to produce shoots or leaves, but in a newly planted situation, they’ll spend their energy developing roots, so come springtime, they’ll be able to draw plenty of resources for above-ground development.

Plants that get a head start on root development in the fall will be in better position for summer’s climatic challenges.

Another good reason to plant in the fall is that garden centers often put plant material on sale at this time of year. And who appreciates a bargain more than gardeners?

A no-duh caveat: If you’re hankering to plant a shrub that’s winter-tender in your area, then it’s best to wait until spring.

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