Most people think the cooler breeze and falling leaves signify the end of the growing and planting season. However, you’ll be surprised to learn that fall is the best time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials.
In this article, we share a few reasons why fall planting can be beneficial to give you a head start in your gardening endeavors.
1. Cooler Air and Warm Soil
Scorching temperatures can strain new plants, preventing them from properly establishing. The chilly breeze of the fall helps remove the summer heat stress from plants. Despite the colder air, the soil is still warm enough to stimulate plant growth.
A cooler temperature and warm soil create the perfect conditions to develop stronger roots. The breeze signals winter is coming, which causes plants to start preparing for dormancy. This encourages plants to focus more on underground growth instead of growing leaves and stems. Meanwhile, the warm soil temperature further supports good rooting, allowing the plant to get the nutrients it needs before the freezing season begins.
So, while the visible parts of your plant are getting ready to sleep, the roots are setting up to survive winter. With an established root system, you’ll see fuller, bigger plants when spring arrives.
2. Low Water Needs
Autumn often comes with consistent rainfall, which refreshes dry summer soil. While moisture levels significantly increase, fall weather maintains a dry enough garden, making it suitable for growing new plants.
Unlike unpredictable, heavy rains during spring, the fall season provides workable, non-soggy soil that ensures optimum structure. Consistent precipitation also reduces stress on new plants while reducing watering sessions.
3. Fewer Weeds and Pests
The warmer season is when garden pests and weeds actively wreak havoc on your garden. Weeds compete for light, water, and nutrients. Meanwhile, pests love munching on your greeneries. However, as the temperature drops, most weeds and garden pests disappear.
Fall planting allows gardeners to take it easy from constant weeding and pest control. New plants can grow stronger without competing with invasive weeds or getting their leaves devoured. This way, your plants will be much stronger and more resilient to common garden weeds and pests when spring comes.
4. More Effective Fertilization
Fall fertilization of trees, shrubs, and perennials leads to a beautiful, healthy spring garden. Fertilizing during autumn supports the activation of metabolic pathways, which allows plants to protect themselves against freezing temperatures. The consistent moisture also enables faster fertilizer absorption, catalyzing one last frenzy of root growth, making plants hardier when winter sets in, and ensuring lusher growth during spring.
Get the Best Fall Planting Support With Well Rooted Gardens
If you need to prep your garden for autumn and grow new plants, consult Well Rooted Gardens. We have a team of experienced landscape pros and licensed arborists to get trees, shrubs, and perennials safely tucked in the ground before the dormant period. Dial 402-800-7389 today, and let’s discuss how to prepare your garden for beautiful growth in spring and for tree trimming services!