{"id":49854,"date":"2026-10-26T13:07:30","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T13:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=49854"},"modified":"2026-10-26T13:07:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T13:07:34","slug":"best-trees-to-plant-in-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-trees-to-plant-in-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Trees to Plant in Fall"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u25cf <strong>The best trees for fall planting<\/strong>: Deciduous species that establish quickly, like elm, crabapple, hackberry, and honeylocust are the best to plant in fall.<br>\u25cf <strong>Evergreens vs. deciduous:<\/strong> Evergreens like pine and spruce need an earlier start than deciduous trees.<br><strong>\u25cf<\/strong> <strong>In cold climates:<\/strong> Plant at least 6 weeks before the ground normally freezes.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best trees to plant in fall are deciduous species that establish quickly in cooling soil, like elm, crabapple, hackberry, and honey locust. Trees with fleshy or fragile root systems, like dogwood and magnolia, are better off waiting for spring.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not sure which of these is the right fit for your yard, or want someone else to handle the digging? Lawn Love&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/gardener\">gardening service<\/a> can match you with a local pro who&#8217;ll pick the right spot, plant it correctly, and get it mulched and watered.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-b43305c3-3ede-4904-883d-73d832b5f9a7\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-trees-to-plant-in-fall\/#0-trees-that-establish-well-in-the-fall\" style=\"\">Trees that establish well in the fall<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-trees-to-plant-in-fall\/#2-trees-to-hold-off-on-until-spring\" style=\"\">Trees to hold off on until spring<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-trees-to-plant-in-fall\/#3-how-to-pick-the-right-tree-for-your-yard\" style=\"\">How to pick the right tree for your yard<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-trees-to-plant-in-fall\/#4-timing-by-region\" style=\"\">Timing by region<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-trees-to-plant-in-fall\/#5-what-to-check-before-you-buy\" style=\"\">What to check before you buy<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-trees-to-plant-in-fall\/#9-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-trees-that-establish-well-in-the-fall\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"trees-that-establish-well-in-the-fall\">Trees that establish well in the fall<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even after the leaves drop and the top of the tree goes quiet, roots may keep growing while the soil remains warm enough. Cooler air also puts less stress on a newly planted tree than summer\u2019s heat.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The University of Massachusetts Extension&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umass.edu\/agriculture-food-environment\/home-lawn-garden\/fact-sheets\/fall-planting-for-trees-shrubs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fall planting fact sheet<\/a> lists these trees as relatively easy to establish in the fall:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Alder<\/li>    <li>Catalpa<\/li>    <li>Crabapple<\/li>    <li>Eastern redbud<\/li>    <li>Elm<\/li>    <li>Hackberry<\/li>    <li>Hawthorn<\/li>    <li>Honey locust<\/li>    <li>Horse chestnut<\/li>    <li>Linden<\/li>    <li>Maple<\/li>    <li>Sycamore<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This list gives you a starting point. It doesn&#8217;t mean that every maple, elm, or hawthorn is right for your yard. Species and cultivars differ in mature size, cold tolerance, soil needs, and pest problems. As an example:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>For elm, ask for a cultivar resistant to Dutch elm disease, such as Princeton, New Harmony, or Valley Forge.<\/li>    <li>For maple, you should avoid Norway maple, which is considered invasive in parts of the country and is discouraged or restricted by several state Extension programs.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The University of Massachusetts also lists ash, but according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/plant-pests-diseases\/eab\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA APHIS<\/a>, the emerald ash borer has killed tens of millions of ash trees in North America. It has been detected in 38 states and the District of Columbia.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Does this mean that I can\u2019t plant an ash tree? Well, no. But check with your state forestry agency or Extension office first. In many places, ash is not the best pick for a long-lived shade tree.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want a few specific varieties to consider? Maria Zampini, president and founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/upshoothort.com\/about-us\/about-us-maria-zampini\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UpShoot Hort<\/a> in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/ngb.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Garden Bureau<\/a> member, shared these picks for fall planting. Check their suitability for your site and local planting season before buying.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Midnight Express redbud<\/strong><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_521015939.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of heart-shaped purple leaves of Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud) tree.\" class=\"wp-image-49878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_521015939.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_521015939-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_521015939-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_521015939-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Eastern redbud has deep maroon-colored, heart-shaped leaves. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/selective-focus-of-pansy-redbud-leaves-on-the-tree-cercis-canadensis-or-amerikaanse-judasboom-the-eastern-redbud-is-a-large-deciduous-shrub-or-small-tree-nature-leafs-pattern-background\/521015939\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sarawut<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI would suggest a Cercis, like Midnight Express, it comes from a northern seed source, so its range is somewhat greater than other redbud selections on the market,\u201d Zampini says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis selected native is a great ornamental tree with both spring flowers and colorful foliage,\u201d she says. \u201cIt holds its maroon colored leaves throughout the growing season, even in the South. So it\u2019s more than a one season trick pony.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lollipop\u00ae crabapple<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking for a smaller tree? Crabapples are worth a look.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI have a fondness for crabapples, in particular, because there are more genetically dwarf selections out there,\u201d Zampini says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLollipop\u00ae is one that is exactly what it says it is \u2013 it\u2019s like a round head on a stick \u2013 and it can go in a larger container, and you can plant around the base.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200b\u200bContrary to popular belief, for most newer crabapples, the fruit is very small, no bigger than the tip of my pinky. This fruit is red and is taken by the birds (i.e., it doesn\u2019t make a mess).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It has a pleasing yellow fall color. Spring brings pink buds opening to white flowers, and it is fragrant!\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Marley&#8217;s Pink Styrax<\/strong><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_292050199.jpg\" alt=\"Pale pink bell-shaped blossoms of Styrax japonica 'Marley's Pink' hanging from a branch.\" class=\"wp-image-49879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_292050199.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_292050199-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_292050199-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_292050199-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_292050199-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marley&#8217;s Pink Styrax has delicate pink blooms. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%AB%E3%83%90%E3%83%8A%E3%82%A8%E3%82%B4%E3%83%8E%E3%82%AD%E3%81%AE%E8%8A%B1\/292050199\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gorosuke<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf crabapples are not your thing, you could go for the lesser known, but highly ornamental Marley&#8217;s Pink Styrax,\u201d Zampini says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis one is a weeper, so it gives you structural interest even in the winter. It has pink, cotton candy scented spring flowers. It too has a nice yellow fall color, but you don\u2019t have the fruit. So, bird lovers chose crabapple, no fruit people chose this one.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Metamorphosa Japanese maple<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOne for good measure, might be a Japanese maple,\u201d Zampini says. \u201cAgain, depending on the area available, these are a nice option, and they provide some fine foliage color and textures. I like Metamorphosa for its unique foliage.\u201d<\/p>    <h3 id=\"1-what-about-evergreen-trees\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"what-about-evergreen-trees\">What about evergreen trees?<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pines and spruces can be planted in the fall, but they generally need an earlier start than deciduous trees. The deadline depends on the species, local weather, soil conditions, and when the ground normally freezes. When in doubt, call your local Extension office and ask about your specific evergreen.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/worst-trees-for-allergy-sufferers\/\">Worst Trees for Allergy Sufferers<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"2-trees-to-hold-off-on-until-spring\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"trees-to-hold-off-on-until-spring\">Trees to hold off on until spring<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yellowwood-tree.jpg\" alt=\"Blooming Kentucky yellowwood tree with cascading white flower clusters.\" class=\"wp-image-49882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yellowwood-tree.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yellowwood-tree-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yellowwood-tree-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Yellowwood-tree-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some trees, like Kentucky yellowwood, are best planted in spring. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/single-blooming-kentucky-yellowwood-tree-in-skokie-illinois\/2034624055\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some trees are better off planted in spring. <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umd.edu\/resource\/planting-tree-or-shrub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Maryland Extension<\/a> recommends spring planting or transplanting for these fleshy-rooted trees.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Planting choice<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Trees<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What to know<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Good fall candidates<\/td><td>Crabapple, catalpa, hackberry, honey locust, horse chestnut, linden, sycamore, and elm<\/td><td>These trees tend to establish well in fall when matched to the right site.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Check locally before fall planting<\/td><td>Hawthorn, Eastern redbud, and maples<\/td><td>The best planting season varies by species and local climate.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Plant earlier in fall<\/td><td>Pine and spruce<\/td><td>Plant early enough to give roots time to grow before the soil gets too cold.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Safer in spring<\/td><td>Dogwood, magnolia, willow oak, tulip poplar, and yellowwood<\/td><td>These fleshy-rooted trees generally establish better when planted in spring.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 id=\"3-how-to-pick-the-right-tree-for-your-yard\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-pick-the-right-tree-for-your-yard\">How to pick the right tree for your yard<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A species that tolerates fall planting still isn\u2019t automatically the best tree for your specific yard. Before you go shopping in nurseries, enter your ZIP code into the USDA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a> to confirm the tree can handle winters in your area.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then walk your planting site and check:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Purpose<\/strong>: Decide whether you want shade, flowers, screening, or wildlife value, since that narrows the list.<\/li>    <li><strong>Space<\/strong>: Measure the planting area, including distance to the house, fence, sidewalk, and any <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-to-plant-above-utility-lines\/\">overhead wires<\/a>.<\/li>    <li><strong>Sun<\/strong>: Match the tree\u2019s light requirements to the spot.<\/li>    <li><strong>Local pests and invasives<\/strong>: Ask your county Extension office which species have local disease or invasive-species concerns before you commit.<\/li>    <li><strong>Don\u2019t forget underground utilities<\/strong>: Before digging, contact <a href=\"https:\/\/811beforeyoudig.com\/before-you-dig\/\">811<\/a> and follow your state\u2019s instructions for locating buried lines.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond height and width, consider the tree\u2019s habit, or its overall shape.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think additional key factors to consider are the habit of the tree \u2013 that, along with the mature size, is important so that you\u2019re not planting something that is too large for the site,\u201d Zampini says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThink of it this way: If your site is the size of a woman\u2019s size 7 shoe, but your tree is going to mature at a size 10, that is going to be an uncomfortable fit.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plants are like people. You\u2019re not going to want to cram your foot into that too small shoe, and the tree is the same way.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t forget to check the growing conditions.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat is your soil and water going to be like, and what does the type of tree you are choosing require,\u201d Zampini says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you are moving into a new construction home, it is almost a sure bet that the native top soil has been stripped away. You\u2019ve got to be sure the soil is amended, or native top soil is brought in, so that you create a successful environment for your investment.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, you want to be sure that your spot has good drainage. You don\u2019t want water sitting in the bottom of the planting hole. Would you keep your feet in standing water every day, 24\/7? Nope, and neither does your tree and its roots!\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-flowering-trees\/\">20 of the Best Flowering Trees for Your Landscape<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wind-resistant-trees\/\">18 of the Best Wind-Resistant Trees<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"4-timing-by-region\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"timing-by-region\">Timing by region<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFall is a great time to plant, especially because if done early, the tree will grow and get established prior to winter setting in,\u201d Zampini says. \u201cIt then has a \u2018jump start\u2019 in the spring.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How early should you plant? That depends on the tree, nursery-stock type, local weather, soil conditions, and when the ground normally freezes.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Regions where the ground freezes<\/strong>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Plant about 6 weeks before the ground is expected to freeze.<\/li>    <li>A light frost, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-trees-from-freeze\/\">hard freeze<\/a>, and frozen soil aren\u2019t the same event. You may wake up to frost on the grass while the soil around your tree remains workable for weeks.<\/li>    <li>If you\u2019ve missed the window, waiting for spring may be the safer choice for an evergreen or a fleshy-rooted tree.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Regions with long, mild falls<\/strong>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>If the soil stays warm and workable longer, your fall planting window may stretch into October, November, or beyond.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Regions where the ground rarely freezes<\/strong>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>In warm areas, winter may be a better planting season than early fall. The cooler weather gives the tree time to settle in without immediately facing <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-take-care-of-trees-during-drought\">summer heat<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"5-what-to-check-before-you-buy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"what-to-check-before-you-buy\">What to check before you buy<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/checking-roots.jpg\" alt=\"Gloved hands using pruners to remove wire mesh and burlap from a pine tree root ball while checking roots before planting.\" class=\"wp-image-49885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/checking-roots.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/checking-roots-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/checking-roots-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/checking-roots-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Check roots before planting a tree. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/gardener-removes-wire-mesh-and-burlap-around-root-ball-of-pine-tree-using-pruner-before-planting-into-soil\/1079334496\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maryviolet<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ve found a tree that fits your yard. Now take a closer look at the tree itself. Nursery trees generally come in 3 forms: container-grown, balled-and-burlapped, and bare-root.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-container-grown-trees\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"container-grown-trees\">Container-grown trees<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Container trees are widely available and generally can be planted in the fall while the soil is workable. The <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umd.edu\/resource\/planting-tree-or-shrub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Maryland Extension<\/a> recommends inspecting container trees for healthy roots and circling or girdling roots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Before buying<\/strong>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Ask whether you can inspect the roots.<\/li>    <li>Avoid a severely root-bound tree if a healthier one is available.<\/li>    <li>Look for circling or girdling roots.<\/li>    <li>Find the tree\u2019s root flare.<\/li>    <li>Check the trunk and branches for major injuries.<\/li>    <li>Make sure the soil and root ball haven\u2019t completely dried out.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few small circling roots may be correctable. A tight mass of large woody roots wrapping around the root ball is a red flag.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-balled-and-burlapped-trees\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"balled-and-burlapped-trees\">Balled-and-burlapped trees<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Balled-and-burlapped trees also can be fall-planted while the soil remains workable.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Before buying<\/strong>:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Make sure the root ball is solid and intact.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>If the trunk wobbles independently of the root ball, keep shopping.<\/li>    <li>Check for trunk and branch damage.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"8-bare-root-trees\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"bare-root-trees\">Bare-root trees<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bare-root is not the type of tree to buy and leave sitting in the garage for a week. They have no soil around their roots, so they\u2019re the most time-sensitive purchase on this list.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Handle bare-root trees differently from container and balled-and-burlapped trees:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Never let the roots dry out or sit exposed to sun and wind, even briefly.<\/li>    <li>Keep roots wrapped in damp material (wet burlap, moist newspaper, or peat moss) inside a sealed bag until you\u2019re ready to dig.<\/li>    <li>Plant the same day if possible. If you must wait, store the wrapped roots in a cool, dark spot and check moisture daily.<\/li>    <li>Soak the roots in a bucket of water for a short period right before planting, then get them in the ground and water them immediately.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"9-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791288231091\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do all trees need the same 6-week runway before frost?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">For many fall-planted trees, plant at least 6 weeks before the ground normally freezes. Evergreens may need an earlier start, while dogwood, magnolia, willow oak, tulip poplar, and yellowwood are safer left for spring because they have fleshy roots.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791288237474\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I still plant evergreens like pine or spruce in October?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It depends entirely on your location. October may be too late in colder areas, but it may still be suitable where fall weather stays mild, and the soil remains warm and workable. Check with your local Extension office for timing in your area.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791288245738\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do I need a permit before planting a tree?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It depends on where you are planting. A tree in a public right-of-way, utility easement, HOA-controlled yard, or other regulated area may require approval, so check local rules first. Wherever you plant, contact 811 before digging and wait until the affected utilities have responded.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"10-set-your-fall-trees-up-for-success\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"set-your-fall-trees-up-for-success\">Set your fall trees up for success<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting your fall planting right takes careful species research, heavy digging, and perfect timing. A mistake now means dealing with a dead tree come spring.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;d rather leave it to someone who does this every day, Lawn Love\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/gardener\">local gardeners<\/a> will handle everything for you.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Pink crabapple tree blossoming in spring. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/pink-flowering-crabapple-tree-blossoming-in-spring\/524385681\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lion and Light<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The best trees to plant in fall are deciduous species like elm, crabapple, and maple that establish quickly before the ground freezes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":14365,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[295],"tags":[342],"class_list":["post-49854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tree-care","tag-tree-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-6.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Adrian Nita","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/adrian-nita\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49854"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49854\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50528,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49854\/revisions\/50528"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}