If you’re asking, “When should I plant a tree or shrub in my yard?”- you’re not alone! It’s one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners, landscapers, and gardeners across the country.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs?
Spring and fall are typically the best times to plant trees and shrubs.
However, the ideal timing depends on the type of tree or shrub and your USDA growing zone.
In this post, we’ll break it down by category:
Broadleaf Trees
Best planting time:
- Zones 3–7 (colder climates): Early spring or early fall
- Zones 8–10 (warmer climates): Late fall through winter
Broadleaf trees like maple, oak, ash, and walnut benefit from cooler soil temperatures, which encourage strong root development without stressing the tree with heat. Fall is often the best time to plant broadleaf trees, giving roots time to establish before spring growth.
Tip: Avoid planting during peak summer heat or frozen winter ground.
Conifer Trees (Evergreens)
Best planting time:
- Zones 3–7: Early spring (before hot weather hits)
- Zones 8–10: Fall through winter
Conifers such as pine, spruce, fir, and cedar do well when planted in early spring, giving them time to establish roots before their first winter. In warmer zones, they can also be planted in the cooler fall months.
Tip: Avoid planting evergreens in late fall in northern zones, as they don’t go fully dormant and may struggle with cold, dry winter winds.
Shrubs and Bushes
Best planting time:
- Zones 3–7: Spring or early fall
- Zones 8–10: Fall or mild winter months
Popular landscape bushes like lilac, hydrangea, blueberry, and chokeberry are best planted in spring once the ground is workable or in early fall, giving them time to settle in before extreme temperatures arrive.
Tip: Spring planting is safest if you’re unsure about fall frost timing.
Fruit Trees
Best planting time:
- Zones 3–7: Early spring before bud break
- Zones 8–10: Late fall or early winter
For trees like apple, pear, and plum, planting just as winter ends and the ground thaws is ideal. Blueberry bushes, which are technically shrubs, follow similar timing.
Tip: Planting fruit trees in early spring helps them focus on root growth before fruiting later in the season.
Know Your USDA Hardiness Zone
Your planting zone is a major factor in timing.
Check the USDA Hardiness Zone Map to find your zone by ZIP code. It helps determine frost dates and planting windows.
Final Tips for Successful Planting
- Water deeply after planting, even in cool weather.
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temp.
- Avoid fertilizing immediately – let roots settle first.
- Protect young trees from wind and wildlife with stakes or guards.
Whether you’re planting one tree or planning a full landscape, timing is everything. If you’re unsure, contact us — we’re happy to help you choose the best time to plant based on your location and your goals!