Fall is for Planting draws on research from land-grant universities, cooperative extension services and professional arborists. These are the best places to go deeper, and to find advice specific to your region.
Find your local extension office
Every U.S. state has a land-grant university with a cooperative extension service. Many offer free soil testing, Master Gardener help lines and planting calendars for your county.
Fall planting & tree care
- Oregon State University Extension: Fall planting offers long-term benefits for trees, shrubs and perennials
- University of Kentucky: Fall Tree Planting
- West Virginia University Extension: Fall planting or spring planting?
- UNH Extension: Is fall a good time to plant trees and shrubs?
- Purdue: Fall ideal for planting trees
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension: Tree species for fall planting
- Iowa State University: Tree planting basics
- International Society of Arboriculture: New tree planting (PDF)
Watering & winter care
- University of Minnesota Extension: Watering newly planted trees and shrubs
- Colorado State University Extension: Fall and winter watering
Bulbs, perennials & lawns
Professional help
Where to buy
For trees, shrubs and evergreens grown in the Pacific Northwest, visit Means Nursery in Scappoose, Oregon. Or shop your local independent garden center. Staff there can recommend plants proven in your area.
Link to this guide. Educators, garden clubs, extension offices and nurseries are welcome to link to Fall is for Planting as a free consumer resource. Suggested link text: “Fall is for Planting: why autumn is the best time to plant trees and shrubs.”