Timing is Everything
Planting a perennial or shrub at the wrong time of year guarantees a struggle. Planting it at the optimal time ensures rapid establishment and vigor.
The Fall Planting Advantage
Contrary to popular belief, autumn—not spring—is the superior time to plant most trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials.
- Soil Temperature: In fall, the soil is still warm from summer, but the air is cool. This encourages vigorous root growth without the plant expending energy on top growth or enduring the stress of blistering summer heat.
- Moisture: Fall generally brings more reliable rainfall, reducing the need for constant supplemental watering during the critical establishment phase.
Spring Installations
Spring is reserved for tender annuals, summer-blooming bulbs (like Dahlias and Gladiolus), and plants marginally hardy for your zone, giving them a full growing season to establish before facing winter.