Think Spring Is the Best Time to Plant? You Might Want to Rethink That…

Many homeowners and commercial property managers believe spring is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. While spring does have its benefits, fall often gives new plants a better chance at long-term success. In fact, autumn can be one of the most effective seasons for planting if your goal is healthy roots and strong growth next year.

At JRC Landscaping, we work with property owners across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area to help them take advantage of this, often overlooked, planting window. When done correctly, fall planting leads to healthier landscapes with less effort in the long run.

Why Fall is Better for Trees and Shrubs

The fall climate in Ontario creates the right environment for roots to develop before winter. While the leaves may be dropping above ground, roots are still active and growing below the surface.

Here are a few reasons why fall tree and shrub planting often works better:

• Daytime temperatures are cooler which reduces transplant stress
• Fall rain patterns are usually more consistent which means less watering is needed
• Soil remains warm well into the season which supports continued root growth
• There is less pressure from pests and plant diseases compared to spring or summer

These conditions allow trees and shrubs to settle in and prepare for spring with a solid foundation already in place.

Common Misconceptions About Fall Planting

Fall planting is often skipped because of a few common misunderstandings:

Some people think the season is too short or that nurseries are winding down their stock. Others worry that plants won’t survive the cold months ahead. The truth is that fall planting is not only safe when done properly, but can actually set your landscape up for a better spring.

Here is what most people don’t realize…

• Many nurseries still carry strong healthy plants in the fall and some even offer discounts
• Fall planted trees and shrubs go dormant as winter approaches but come back strong in spring
• You can replace dead or overgrown plants before winter or add new species to support biodiversity

It is also a smart time to install native and pollinator friendly plants that are well suited to our local climate and require less maintenance in the future.

Trees and Shrubs That Thrive in Fall Planting

At JRC Landscaping we recommend a range of trees and shrubs that do especially well when planted in fall conditions across Ontario…

Trees

• Red Maple
• Serviceberry

Shrubs

• Boxwood
• Ninebark
• Dogwood
• Juniper

These plants are hardy and adaptable and when planted with the right spacing and soil preparation they often outperform those installed during the spring rush. Our team can guide you on the right species for your soil and sun conditions and handle the installation to make sure everything is set up for success.

Don’t Miss the Fall Window

In the Durham Region and GTA, the fall planting season typically runs from early September to late October. Once the ground freezes planting becomes difficult and options become limited. Booking your project early gives you access to the best plant material and ensures everything is in the ground before the cold sets in.

Whether you are improving a residential yard or managing a commercial property fall tree and shrub planting is a smart investment that delivers real results by next season.

Get Expert Help from JRC Landscaping

JRC Landscaping has been helping homeowners and businesses create beautiful outdoor spaces since 2013. We are known across Durham Region for quality workmanship and reliable service, and we back every project with a three-year craftsmanship guarantee.

If you are ready to make the most of the fall season, get in touch with us today. We will help you choose the right trees and shrubs for your property and handle the installation from start to finish.

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