Fall is the Perfect Time to Plant Natives

Most people consider Spring the optimal time of year to plant trees, shrubs and grasses. Everyone hurries to their garden center to pick out their plants and get them in the ground. Depending on the type of Spring we’re having in Pennsylvania, new plantings can struggle. We could have frost in April, or a cold snap in May. Then by Summer, we are caught in the endless watering loop because the weather turned scorching hot sooner than expected.

Aronia arbutifolia- Red Chokeberry

What if I told you that Fall is the perfect time to put your plants in the ground? The sweet spot is September through the end of October, but sticking as close to the beginning of September is the key to allow those new root systems to get established. Here’s why. 

By September your soil is the perfect temperature for roots. Think of how cold that dirt feels in April and May. Think of how you feel when you run out of hot water. It’s not very pleasant if you prefer your water to be nice and warm/hot. Plants feel the same way. Your soil will retain that summer heat longer than the air will. This warm soil will encourage strong root growth before winter sets in. 

Planting in September alleviates the stress that most plants feel during the Summer months when it’s very hot out and there are higher evaporation rates. There is usually less stress caused by drought pressures that occur in the Summer. 

Weed growth slows down in the Fall. This means there are less weeds to compete with your new plants. 

Autumn typically offers more consistent rain, moisture, and cooler temperatures. This means you do not need to water your newly established trees and shrubs as much. And if you are planting native plants, they characteristically require less maintenance because they have evolved in this climate.

Speaking of natives, when you plant your wildflowers, trees and shrubs in the Fall, they are getting a head start and will typically emerge earlier and be healthier in the Spring–with the exception of natural late bloomers that do not put out growth until later in the season. By planting a Spring-blooming species in the Fall, you’re likely to have a larger plant with more blooms in the Spring because the plant was not subjected to transplant shock right before it blooms. 

Planting natives in the Fall provides potential wildlife benefits over the winter months. Depending on what you plant and how mature it is, your new plant could be providing an important food source to songbirds that stick around for the winter, or for migratory birds (berries or seeds). If you plant an evergreen, you are providing shelter for wildlife. If you are planting a blooming plant, you are providing late season or early nectar the following Spring for migratory birds and insects. 

• Timing is key to planting in the Fall. You want your plants to have enough time to get established–four to six weeks before the first frost. 

• Mulch is important. Add at least two to four inches of leaves or bark mulch around your plantings. This will offer an added layer of insulation to the roots. Mulching also helps hold in moisture so you need to water less. 

• Continue to water your plants until the ground freezes or the plant enters dormancy.. Unless there is an extreme drought, you will find you need to water less as we generally receive more rain in the Fall. I tend to be a bit more generous with watering if I am trying to get a tree established, especially if September still has some really hot days. 

• Late Fall is also the perfect time to sow seeds that require cold stratification (a cold period) in order to germinate in the Spring. 

Fall planting is similar to the catchphrase, “Set it and forget it”. It requires less maintenance and sets the stage for a beautiful, healthy Spring garden landscape. Taking advantage of nature’s ideal conditions will ensure you are giving your plants the best possible start to an abundant  future. Your native wildlife and ecosystem will definitely thank you! 

MVF Nursery has a large selection of native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses to plant in the Fall. Stop by and we’ll help you select the best species to get you off on the right foot in the Spring!