Determining the best time to plant a tree isn’t as simple as it seems.

The key is to time it so that moderate weather follows, allowing the tree to establish itself.

If you transplant correctly and the weather is favorable, the chances of survival are high. However, how precise does everything need to be? While there’s often some flexibility, the success largely depends on factors like the tree species and your region’s climate.

Why Does Planting Time Matter?

The best time to plant trees is typically in the spring or fall, when soil temperatures are moderate and conducive to root growth. During these seasons, the soil is warm enough to encourage root development, but not so hot that it stresses the young tree. This gives the tree time to establish a healthy root system before the extreme temperatures of winter or summer arrive.

In the spring, planting allows the tree to take advantage of the entire growing season to establish itself, while in the fall, cooler air temperatures and moisture make it easier for roots to grow without the added stress of high heat.

If planted too late in the fall, just before the ground freezes, or too late in the spring, when the heat of summer sets in, trees may struggle to establish roots properly. The tree’s growth could be stunted, and it may be more vulnerable to environmental stress, diseases, or pests.

Additionally, if the roots don't have enough time to anchor and absorb nutrients before the weather becomes extreme, the tree could suffer from dehydration or sunburn, particularly in the intense heat of summer or the drying winds of winter. Moreover, newly planted trees are more susceptible to frost damage if they haven’t developed a strong enough root system by the time freezing temperatures set in.

Benefits of Spring Planting

Spring planting is ideal for gardeners in northern climates, as it helps prevent damage from early winter freezes. Once the ground freezes, water becomes unavailable to the roots, which can harm young trees. In spring, gardeners are also more likely to be attentive, ensuring consistent watering and care as the tree begins to grow.

Benefits of Fall Planting

For warmer regions, fall planting is often the best option, as it allows trees to establish roots before the hot summer months and helps them avoid the stress of extreme temperatures. In these areas, planting in the fall means the tree can take advantage of cooler air and more consistent rainfall, which are ideal conditions for root growth.

With the absence of the immediate pressure of intense summer heat, the tree has time to acclimate to its new environment and develop a strong, healthy root system. By the time summer arrives, the tree will be better prepared to handle the heat and more likely to thrive throughout the challenging months of high temperatures.

Best Time to Plant by Tree Type

Evergreens and deciduous trees have different needs when it comes to planting times. While evergreens maintain their foliage year-round, deciduous trees shed their leaves in fall, entering dormancy until spring. The ideal time to plant deciduous trees is when they are dormant—typically between leaf drop and bud break.

Evergreens, which don’t have a clear dormancy period, are generally more resilient and can be planted slightly earlier in fall or later in spring than deciduous trees.