Planting a tree may seem like something you do in spring, but fall is sneakily one of the best times to give a new tree a comfy start. Cooler air, warm soil, and natural rainfall make autumn a great season to dig a hole and call your tree home. Let’s talk about why fall works, how to do it right in Maryland/Virginia, and how Rock Creek can do the heavy lifting for you.
Why Fall Might Be the Smartest Season to Plant
Fall isn’t just for pumpkin spice and crunchy leaves. When you plant in autumn, you’re giving your tree a head start before the challenges of next summer. The soil has been warmed through the summer, so it can still support root growth even as the air cools down. At the same time, the tree isn’t under pressure to grow new leaves and branches right away—so it puts energy into sending roots out instead.
You also get less stress from heat or sudden dry spells, and there tend to be fewer pests and weeds fighting for resources.
That said, timing matters. Planting too late in the fall can backfire if winter sets in early, so early to mid-fall is usually ideal.
How to Plant Your Tree the Right Way
Okay, you’ve decided to plant this fall. Here’s how to do it without accidentally killing your new green friend:
First, pick the right tree. Think about how big it will get, how much sun it’ll see, and how wet or dry the soil is on your property. You want something suited to your yard so it can grow happily without constant babysitting.
Prepare the planting site by clearing grass, weeds, or debris around where the tree will go. Then dig a hole that’s wider than the tree’s root ball—but not much deeper. Roots that are buried too deeply have a hard time breathing or growing properly.
Place the tree so its root flare is visible at the soil surface. Backfill gently (don’t just toss soil back in willy-nilly), water it well to settle everything, and then mulch around the base. Mulch helps lock in moisture and protect roots during the colder months—but don’t pile it up against the trunk.
After planting, keep an eye on watering. Even though fall brings cooler weather and more natural moisture, new trees still need consistent water until the ground starts freezing. Keep them alive through the first winter and next spring will thank you.
Watch Out for These Beginner Mistakes
- Planting the tree too deep so the soil covers the root flare
- Leaving mulch piled against the trunk
- Picking a species that doesn’t match your space when it grows up
- Ignoring nearby utilities or drainage patterns
These issues might not kill the tree immediately, but they often lead to slow decline, extra stress when weather gets rough, or roots that never spread properly.
How Rock Creek Can Plant Your Tree for You
Let’s face it: digging a hole, hauling soil, planting, mulching, watering—doing it yourself is a lot of work. Rock Creek Tree, Turf & Landscape can take care of all that for you. Our certified arborists will help you pick a species that suits your yard, prepare the site properly, plant the tree right, and watch it through its early years.
We even offer a free inspection and consultation to get started. Want to plant one tree or a whole row of privacy trees this fall? Let Rock Creek help you get it in the ground correctly—and stress-free.