Why Autumn is the Best Season for Planting Trees

Less Stress, More Growth

Spring-planted trees often have to face summer’s heatwaves and dry spells before they’ve developed strong enough roots and properly settled in, but autumn trees skip that stress test. With mild autumn temperatures, they lose less water through their leaves and can focus energy on root growth instead of survival. By the time summer arrives again, they’re better equipped to handle the heat and with the summer that’s just passed and prolonged droughts in the forecast for the years to come, planting trees in autumn will certainly help your trees to get the best start in your garden.

Let Nature Do the Hard Work

Autumn is naturally a wetter season. Regular rainfall means less hauling hoses and watering cans around the garden and more steady, natural watering for your young trees. Moist soil encourages deep, strong roots which builds a foundation for decades of growth. Young trees need regular watering while they establish (around 2 years) so if rainfall is low, or there has been a dry autumn spell, you will still need to water your tree.

But let’s not forget the human side of the equation. Digging and planting are far more enjoyable in the cool air of autumn, and the soil is often softer after the rain starts to fall, making holes easier to dig.

Autumn is a season of slowing down for much of the natural world, but for newly planted trees, it’s a season of opportunity. With the right care, autumn planting gives your trees a solid foundation, ensuring they’ll greet spring stronger, healthier and ready to flourish.

So this year, when the leaves start to fall, don’t just admire the beauty overhead, plant a little of your own.