7 Trees You Should Plant in the Fall for a Beautiful Yard in the Spring

Apple Tree

Nothing signals the arrival of fall quite like apples hanging from the trees.

They're an "excellent choice for fall planting," says Katie Brines, a specialist at Stark Bro's Nurseries & Orchards Co. "Cooler temperatures, warmer soil, and increased rainfall create the ideal conditions for roots to establish before winter dormancy."

It's best to plant apple trees (Malus domestica) six weeks before the expected frost. This will help prevent root damage.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Mature size: 20 to 30 feet tall x 20 to 30 feet wide (for standard apple trees)
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Redbud

Flowering trees add beauty and charm to any landscape.

"Native trees like redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are naturally adapted to local soils and climates," says Brines—so they're ideal for fall planting.

Redbuds are famous for their stunning display of pea-like, pink or purple flowers. They bloom before their heart-shaped leaves appear, creating a striking sight in the spring.

For optimal growth, it's best to plant redbuds in early fall, approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the first hard frost. If your soil has a heavy clay texture, amend it with compost for the best results.

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Mature size: 20 to 30 feet tall x 25 to 35 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Red Maple

Named for the colors of its red twigs, buds, spring flowers, and fall foliage, the red maple adds visual interest to yards and gardens—especially in the fall.

Brines notes that the cooler temperatures and rain help reduce stress and give the roots a chance to stretch out while the soil is still warm. “Come spring, it’ll be ready to grow and start building toward that brilliant autumn color,” she adds.

However, the red maple (Acer rubrum) is susceptible to root rot. So when planting it in the fall, water it regularly, but avoid leaving the soil waterlogged.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Mature size: 40 to 60 feet tall x 25 to 50 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
  

Pecan Tree

“Nut trees benefit greatly from fall planting due to their deeper root systems,” says Brines.

Pecans (Carya illinoinensis), for example, take time to establish, so giving them the full dormant season to put down roots makes for stronger trees and better long-term yields.

It's best to avoid fertilizing the tree during its first year so that it can establish itself. This is a large tree with a broad, rounded, and symmetrical canopy, so it's well-suited for yards with ample space.

• Zones: 5 to 9 
• Mature size: 75 to 100 feet tall x 40 to 75 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter

Pine

Pine (Pinus) trees provide privacy and shade, serve as windbreaks, and enhance the visual appeal of any landscape.

“[They] are a great choice for fall planting because they establish roots quickly in the cooler weather, giving them a strong head start before the heat of summer,” says Kristi Baldini, nursery manager at Windswept Gardens.

The evergreen foliage provides year-round color and shelter for wildlife; its strong root systems help stabilize the soil, which aids in preventing erosion. With a strong start in the fall, pines will produce a healthy flush of new growth come spring.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Mature size: 50 to 100 feet tall x 20 to 60 feet (depending on the variety)
• Care requirements: Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Arborvitae

Arborvitae (Thuja) is a versatile evergreen that features aromatic, scale-like leaves arranged in beautiful, fan-like sprays.

According to Baldini, these trees thrive when planted in the fall, as the mild temperatures promote root growth without the challenges posed by summer heat. This makes them a fantastic choice for creating natural screens or hedges that maintain their vivid green color throughout the winter.

They can adapt to various soil types and are drought-tolerant, making them a low-maintenance option for enhancing your landscape.

• Zones: 2 to 7
• Mature size: 10 to 50 feet tall x 3 to 16 feet wide (depending on the cultivar)
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil rich in organic matter

Dogwood

This charming tree features small yellow clusters of florets surrounded by four showy, petal-like bracts.

"Dogwoods (Cornus) thrive when planted in the fall because the cooler soil encourages strong root growth before spring," says Baldini. She also notes that this impressive tree rewards you with stunning blooms in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall, making it a true four-season tree.

• Zones: 5 to 9
• Mature size: 15 to 30 feet tall x 15 to 30 feet wide
• Care requirements: Partial shade, well-draining soil rich in organic matter