Ohio in the Fall: What Should You Plant?

Did you know that fall is a great time to garden in Ohio? Seriously! Fall is the perfect time to plant trees and shrubs.

Why Fall is a Great Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs

It may be counterintuitive, but professional arborists prefer planting trees and shrubs in the fall rather than in the spring.  Some of the reasons include:

Moderate air temperatures. 

Ohio’s spring gets increasingly hot as it inches toward summer, and heat can impede plant growth.  But fall’s moderate air temperatures lead to reduced plant transpiration and a reduced need for soil moisture.  Yet, the Ohio soil is still warm enough in the fall for roots to grow, establish themselves, and feel cozy.

In the fall, you’ll also have to water your new trees and shrubs less than if you plant them in the spring. 

Less chance of heavy rain. 

Ohio’s spring can be full of rain.  Heavy rains make for muddy soil that doesn’t lend itself to planting trees successfully.  Ohio’s less rainy fall weather makes for more welcoming soil for trees and shrubs.

Less chance of oppressive heat. 

There’s little chance of Ohio’s weather getting too hot for trees and shrubs in the fall.

Reduced chance of disease and bug infestation. 

Disease and insects are most prevalent in Ohio during the humid and warm spring and summer months.  So, why not avoid most of those headaches by planting your trees and shrubs in the fall?

Fewer weeds. 

There is less weed growth in the fall in Ohio.  So, you’ll be weeding your tree and shrub beds less than in the spring and summer, and who doesn’t like less weeding?

Fewer weeds also means that your trees and shrubs will have less competition for natural resources.

Why You Should Plant Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs can be great additions to gardens.  Trees put oxygen into the environment, and they can help reduce erosion.  Trees also can lower your home’s cooling costs by providing shade, and they can improve your home’s curb appeal.  If you’re planting a fruit tree, then you’ll get the benefits of seeing beautiful flowers each spring and enjoying the tree’s fruits.

Shrubs also put oxygen into the environment.  Further, they can increase your home’s curb appeal by adding green lushness and pops of bright colors to your garden. Shrubs make for great privacy screens as well.

What Trees and Shrubs Should You Plant?

Ohio’s fall planting season starts in September and goes into November.  So, what should you plant?

Some fruit trees that do well when planted in the fall in Ohio are apple, nectarine, peach, pear, and plum.  For flowering trees, consider crabapple, dogwood, Japanese Kwanzan Cherry, or a Star Magnolia.

Avoid planting oak, hickory, and sweetgum trees if they have lost any part of their root systems.  However, if you buy them in containers and their roots don’t need pruning, then they are fine to plant in the fall.

Some shrubs that you can plant during fall in Ohio include hydrangea, viburnum, honeysuckle, holly, lilac, juniper, spicebush, and butterfly bush.

How to Plant Trees and Shrubs in the Fall

There are several elements to consider when planting trees and shrubs during the fall.

Location, Location, Location

Plants and shrubs need to be in locations that match the conditions they need to grow.  For example, if you plant a hydrangea bush in an area that gets intense sunlight, then it probably won’t thrive.  So, select a plant that meets your chosen location’s conditions.

If you don’t know what conditions your plant likes, then feel free to reach out to us at 740-587-2178.

Dig the Perfect Hole

Dig a hole that is about double the size of your tree or shrub’s root ball.  This will give the roots plenty of room to grow and establish themselves.

The base of the plant should be about 2-3 inches above the surrounding soil.  Ohio’s soil doesn’t drain well. So, this positioning will help to avoid water pooling around the plant and reduce the chance of rot.

Remove Foreign Material

Remove any burlap sack, string, wire, tags, twine, or nails that may have come with the tree.  These foreign materials can inhibit the plant’s root growth or remove the bark from the plant’s stems.

Add the Perfect Backfilling Mix

The soil, soil amendment, and fertilizer mix you use may vary based upon the tree or shrub you’re planting.  In general, you should mix one part soil amendment with two parts soil.  You can also add a high-phosphorus fertilizer for an extra pop of nutrients.

You should pack the soil firmly around your new addition, but you should not tightly compact it.

If you’re not sure which fertilizer or organic soil amendment is perfect for your tree or- shrub, then feel free to visit us or give us a call at 740-587-2178.

Trees and Shrubs at Timbuk Farms During the Fall

During the fall, Timbuk Farms sells various plants at our greenhouse.  We have the following available now for your fall planting: [insert list of plants—Timbuk Farms needs to tell us this part].

We’re a family-owned business and we grow everything locally.  We know Ohio gardening.  So, we would love to help you select the perfect tree or shrub for your Ohio garden this fall.