Trust Us, it Really is!
Let’s be real—fall is the pumpkin spice latte of gardening seasons. It’s cozy, crisp, and the best time to plant trees and shrubs. That nip in the air means it's time to dig in (literally) and start thinking about how to give your yard some lasting love before the snow flies. Here’s why fall planting is a great idea, and how to make sure those trees and shrubs settle in for a long, healthy life.
Why Fall is Tree & Shrub Planting Season
Cooler Temps = Less Stress
Plants, like people, can get stressed out. Summer heat puts trees and shrubs in survival mode, focusing on staying alive rather than thriving. Cooler fall temperatures let them focus on root growth, not just staying hydrated.
Warm Soil, Happy Roots
In the fall, the soil is still warm from summer, but the air is cool, creating perfect conditions for roots to grow deep and strong. These roots get a head start before winter, setting the plant up for success come spring.
More Reliable Rainfall
Fall tends to bring more consistent rainfall (with some exceptions), reducing the need for you to water constantly. Less work for you, happier plants all around.
Pest and Disease Pressures Drop
By fall, many pests and diseases that attack new plants are winding down for the season. That means your baby trees and shrubs can grow without getting gnawed on or infected.
Fall Favourites: Trees and Shrubs to Plant Now
- Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) This beauty turns a fiery red in the fall, giving you all the autumn vibes. It's low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and perfect as a show-stopper hedge or focal point.
- Low Grow Sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’) If you're looking for groundcover that can handle anything, Low Grow Sumac is your go-to. It thrives in full sun to part shade and has lovely red-orange fall foliage. Plus, it’s great for erosion control.
- Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) These hardy shrubs bloom with stunning cone-shaped clusters of flowers, which start white and blush into pink as the season changes. They’ll keep flowering right into fall, so you can enjoy a prolonged show.
- Hydrangea Standards (Hydrangea paniculata) For a twist on the classic hydrangea, the standard form is trained to grow like a small tree. It adds elegance to any landscape and makes for a fantastic focal point in a garden bed.
- Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred') This tree is famous for its brilliant red fall colour, fast growth, and overall resilience. It's a hybrid between a red maple and a silver maple, so you get the best of both worlds—strength and beauty.
Planting Tips for Success
Timing is Everything
In Georgina, aim to plant by the end of October, so your new trees and shrubs have a solid 6-8 weeks to establish roots before the ground freezes.
Pick the Perfect Spot
Make sure you’re planting your trees and shrubs in a location that suits their needs. Some love full sun (like burning bush), while others, like hydrangeas, can handle part sun.
Dig a Hole, But Not Too Deep
The hole should be about twice as wide as the root ball, but not deeper than the plant's root system. You want the top of the root ball to be level with the ground.
Backfill with Native Soil
Use the soil you dug up to backfill the hole—your plants will need to adapt to the native soil in your yard anyway. If you have a lot of clay (most of Georgina does!) mix in some good quality garden soil, triple mix or compost.
Water Well
Give your new trees and shrubs a good soak after planting to help them settle in. Keep watering consistently until the ground freezes to keep roots moist.
Mulch Like a Pro
Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to keep the soil warm, prevent weeds, and retain moisture. Just don’t pile it against the trunk—mulch volcanoes are a rookie mistake!
Care Tips for Fall-Planted Trees and Shrubs
Protect Against Winter Damage
Winter can be tough on young trees and shrubs. Wrapping trunks in burlap or using tree guards can protect them from hungry critters and freezing temperatures.
Skip the Fertilizer
Hold off on fertilizing until spring. Fall is all about root growth, and adding fertilizer now could encourage the plant to focus on top growth, which isn’t ideal heading into winter.
Prune Only as Needed
If you spot dead or damaged branches, feel free to prune those off. But save major pruning for late winter or early spring when the plants are dormant.
Keep an Eye on Watering
Even in fall, dry spells can happen. If we’re in a drought, keep watering those newly planted trees and shrubs—hydration is key to winter survival.
So there you have it, fall planting in Georgina is a no-brainer. Between the lower stress on plants, reliable rainfall, and perfect root-growing conditions, your trees and shrubs will thank you come spring. So go ahead, grab that shovel, and give your garden a head start for next year with a few burning bushes, a low grow sumac or two, some hydrangeas, and a show-stopping Autumn Blaze Maple.
Happy gardening!
Shannon, the Garden Girl
Shannon, the Garden Girl, is back, and this time she's taking you on a tree-planting adventure on beautiful Georgina Island. Alongside her knowledgeable Georgina Garden Centre team, they're set to plant two majestic maple trees right outside the community centre. With a passion for helping gardeners succeed and a few laughs along the way, Shannon will walk you through every step of the process, from digging the perfect hole to ensuring those maples thrive for years to come. It's not just about planting trees; it's about giving back to the community and making Georgina Island even more vibrant!