Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant (and Get Your Yard Ready for Next Season)
A lot of people assume spring is the best time to plant, but as landscape professionals, we can tell you that fall is actually ideal for most trees, shrubs, and perennials. The soil is still warm from summer, the air is cooler, and there’s typically more rainfall. That combination encourages roots to grow deep and strong without the stress of summer heat. By the time spring arrives, those plants are already established and ready to thrive.
Strong Roots Means Healthy Plants
When we install in the fall, plants focus on underground growth instead of pushing out leaves and flowers. Think of it as giving them a head start: by spring, they’ve built a healthy root system and can put all their energy into looking great above ground. This translates into fuller foliage, stronger blooms, and better long-term survival rates.
Plan Now for Spring Blooms
Fall is also the season to get bulbs in the ground. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and alliums need that winter chill to bloom in spring. When we plant them now, you’ll have bursts of color waiting for you as soon as the weather warms. Clients are always thrilled when their gardens “wake up” early in the season because of the prep work done in the fall.
Outdoor Living for Cool Evenings
Fall isn’t just about planting — it’s also the perfect time to think about hardscape projects. Adding a stone patio, fire pit, or seating wall now means you can actually enjoy it during these crisp evenings. There’s something special about sitting by a fire with friends and family on a cool night, and it makes your outdoor spaces usable almost year-round.
Get Holiday-Ready
With the holidays approaching, many of our clients like to spruce up their front entry and outdoor spaces. Seasonal planters, evergreen accents, and updated landscape lighting not only add beauty but also make your home more welcoming for guests. Lighting especially makes a huge difference this time of year as the days get shorter.
What We Recommend in Fall
Here are a few things we focus on for clients right now:
Planting trees, shrubs, and perennials while root conditions are perfect.
Installing spring-blooming bulbs for color next year.
Refreshing mulch and applying root fertilizer for winter protection.
Building or enhancing patios and fire pits for outdoor entertaining.
Updating landscape lighting for safety and ambiance.
