Fall Is Planting Season for Native Landscapes. Are You Sure?

Spring feels like the obvious time to plant. The weather is warming, everything is growing, and garden centers are full of plants.

But fall can actually be one of the best times of year to plant a native landscape.

Isn't Spring the Best Time to Plant?

Not necessarily.

By fall, plants have already spent an entire growing season developing their roots, top growth, flowers, and stored energy. They are preparing to go dormant for the winter.

Think of dormancy like sleep. It isn't the end of the cycle. It's simply one part of it before the plant wakes up renewed and ready to grow again in spring.

For many native trees, shrubs, and perennials, fall planting takes advantage of this natural cycle.

You're Not Starting From Scratch

One of the biggest advantages of fall planting is that you're not putting a tiny plant into the ground and waiting for it to grow.

Plants available in the fall have often been growing in the nursery all season. They can have larger root systems, fuller top growth, and a more mature appearance than the same plants might have earlier in the year.

Once planted, their roots can begin settling into the surrounding soil while the weather cools. Then, when spring arrives, the plants are already established and ready to put their energy into new growth.

What About Planting Right Before Winter?

This is usually the first question homeowners have.

Isn't it too late?

Not necessarily. Fall planting isn't about getting plants to flower before winter. It's about giving their roots a chance to establish before the next growing season.

Of course, timing matters. Soil temperature, weather, and the particular plant all play a role. But native trees, shrubs, and perennials are naturally adapted to seasonal dormancy, making fall a very good time to get them into the ground.

A Fuller Spring Starts in the Fall

Fall planting gives your landscape a head start.

Instead of waiting until spring to begin, you can plant now, allow the roots to settle through the cooler months, and let winter pass while the plants are already in their new home.

Then spring arrives, and the landscape is ready to grow.

And because you're starting with mature nursery-grown plants that have already spent a full season developing, you can often get a much fuller and more established landscape sooner.

So, Should You Plant This Fall?

It's easy to think, "We'll just wait until spring."

And spring is certainly a good time to plant.

But if you're thinking about a new landscape, fall gives you an opportunity to get ahead of the next growing season rather than waiting for it to arrive.

At Union Landscape Design, we design and install native, low-maintenance landscapes throughout the Main Line and Philadelphia suburbs. If you're thinking about making a change to your landscape, now is a great time to start the conversation and begin planning for next season.

Spring may be when you see the growth. But fall is when you can get it started.

Reach out to Union Landscape Design to begin planning your native, low-maintenance landscape now, and give your garden a head start on the seasons to come.