The ideal fall planting window starts when summer heat breaks and runs until about six weeks before the ground freezes. The exact dates depend on where you live, so use your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone and your average first-frost date as a guide.
Fall planting windows by region
These ranges are general guidelines for container-grown and balled-and-burlapped trees and shrubs. Local conditions vary. Your county extension office can give you dates for your area.
| Region | Typical zones | Best fall window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, northern New England | 3–4 | Late August – late September | Plant early. Evergreens by early September. Water until the ground freezes. |
| Midwest, Northeast, Great Lakes, Rocky Mountain valleys | 5–6 | September – mid-October | Spring-preferred species (oak, birch, magnolia) are best left for spring. |
| Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, lower Midwest | 6–7 | September – early November | Classic “fall is for planting” country. Mulch well. |
| Pacific Northwest (west of the Cascades) | 7–9 | Mid-September – mid-November, often into winter | Mild, wet winters. Autumn rains do most of the watering. |
| Southeast, Texas, Southern Plains | 7–9 | October – December | Fall and winter planting beats spring, giving roots time before summer heat. |
| Desert Southwest, inland California | 8–10 | October – November | Fall is the top planting season. Irrigate deeply and consistently. |
| Gulf Coast, Florida, coastal California | 9–11 | October – January | The cooler, drier season is the best time to establish trees. |
Signs it’s time to plant
- Daytime highs have settled below the 80s°F and nights are cool.
- Trees in your area are just starting to show fall color.
- Soil is still easy to dig and not frozen or waterlogged.
- For spring bulbs: soil at planting depth has cooled below about 60°F. Bulb timing
Fall planting calendar
Late summer (August – early September)
- Seed or overseed cool-season lawns (fescue, bluegrass, ryegrass).
- Plant evergreens and conifers first, especially in cold climates. They keep losing water through their needles all winter.
- Walk the garden and note spots that need a tree, screen or shrub.
Early to mid-fall (September – October)
- Prime time for deciduous trees, flowering shrubs and perennials.
- Divide and transplant overgrown perennials.
- Begin planting spring-flowering bulbs once soil cools.
Late fall (October – November, later in mild climates)
- Finish planting bulbs, trees and shrubs before the ground freezes.
- Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around new plantings.
- Keep watering new plants whenever the soil is dry and not frozen.
- Prune dead, damaged or crossing branches once leaves drop. Pruning guide
Planted late? Don’t panic. A hardy container plant set out a little late is usually fine if it’s watered, mulched and protected from drying winds. The roots will pick up where they left off as soon as the soil warms in spring.