Spring may be the traditional start of gardening season, but fall deserves just as much attention. In Connecticut, September brings cooler air while the soil still holds warmth from summer, creating excellent conditions for planting many trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Planting now gives roots an opportunity to begin establishing before winter, helping your new additions get a head start when spring returns.
Cooler Temperatures Mean Less Plant Stress
Planting during hot summer weather can be stressful for both plants and gardeners. As temperatures moderate in fall, newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials face less heat stress and moisture loss.
Fall planting offers several advantages:
- Cooler air reduces transplant stress
- Warm soil encourages root development
- Plants can focus energy on establishing roots
- Water doesn’t evaporate as quickly as during summer heat
- Plants can enter spring with a more established root system
You may not see dramatic new growth above ground, but important work can be happening beneath the soil.
Warm Soil Is Fall’s Secret Advantage
Air temperatures can cool quickly in September, but the ground takes longer to lose the warmth it accumulated during summer.
That warm soil creates favorable conditions for root development. Instead of directing energy toward lots of new leaves and flowers, plants can concentrate on settling into their new home.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
If you’ve been considering a larger landscape project, fall is a great time to tackle it.
Trees and shrubs can add:
- Shade
- Privacy and screening
- Spring flowers
- Fall foliage
- Evergreen structure
- Wildlife habitat
- A beautiful landscape focal point
Before planting, consider the plant’s mature size, sunlight requirements, soil conditions, drainage, and available space.
Fill Garden Gaps with Perennials
Fall is also a great time to look back at this year’s garden and identify what’s missing.
Perhaps a border needs more color, a sunny area looks bare, or you’d like to extend the flowering season with earlier or later-blooming plants.
Adding perennials now allows them to begin establishing before winter so they’re ready to return next year.
Keep Watering New Plantings
Cooler temperatures don’t mean newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials can be forgotten.
Water deeply around the root zone and continue checking soil moisture throughout the fall, particularly during dry stretches. Deep watering encourages roots to grow into the surrounding soil rather than remaining close to the surface.
Add Mulch After Planting
A layer of mulch helps conserve soil moisture, moderate temperature fluctuations, and reduce weed competition.
Spread mulch around the root zone, but avoid piling it directly against tree trunks, shrub stems, or perennial crowns.
Plant This Fall for a Stronger Start
Don’t think of Labor Day as the end of gardening season. Fall offers another valuable opportunity to improve your landscape.
Whether you’re adding a statement tree, creating privacy with shrubs, or filling a garden bed with perennials, planting now can help establish the foundation for a beautiful garden next spring and for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is September a good time to plant in Connecticut?
Yes. Cooler air and soil that remains warm from summer can create favorable conditions for establishing many trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Why is warm soil important?
Warm soil supports root development even as cooler air temperatures begin slowing growth above ground.
Do new plants still need watering in fall?
Yes. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials need consistent moisture while their roots become established.
Can I plant larger trees and shrubs in fall?
Yes. Fall can be an excellent time for many larger landscape plants, provided they’re appropriate for your location and planted early enough to begin establishing.
Should I mulch after fall planting?
Yes. Mulch can help conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and control weeds. Keep it away from trunks and stems.
Visit Town & Country Nurseries
Fall isn’t the end of planting season. It’s another opportunity to make your landscape even better. Stop by Town & Country Nurseries for trees, shrubs, perennials, fall color, and expert help choosing the right plants for your property.
Town & Country Nurseries
1036 Saybrook Road
Haddam, CT 06438
Fall Hours
Monday to Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM
