Autumn or spring? When is the optimal planting period for trees and shrub? We ask ourselves this question every year. We will try to explain a few basic factors.
Planting period
You can plant trees and shrubs from October to March as long as there is no frost. Bare-root trees can be planted until late March. For these trees, October and November are particularly suitable, as nurseries have early roses, deciduous bushes, hedge plants, and small trees that have been dug up and stored in cool storage or warehouses. There is an advantage in terms of price and quality when purchasing in spring.
Plants with balled roots can be planted until the beginning of May, as their fine roots have sprouted well. Trees and roses with pot roots can be planted during the summer, but it is important to ensure sufficient watering.
Shrub and Tree Roots | Planting Period
Bare-root trees and roses | October to March at the latest
Trees with peat or balled roots | October to May
Trees and roses with pot roots | October until late summer
The advantage of planting in spring
Spring planting is recommended for plants that are sensitive to frost, such as many evergreen plants like rhododendrons, boxwood, cherry laurel, and photinia, as well as some deciduous plants like rose mallow, hydrangea, and lavender. By allowing these plants a full garden season to grow their root systems before the first cold period, they are better equipped to withstand winter. Generally, frost-resistant shrubs and trees are best planted from late September to late April, as long as the ground is not frozen or overly wet. Planting in autumn allows the plants to establish their root systems during winter and gives them a growth advantage when spring arrives. As a result, they tend to develop better than plants that are not planted until late spring.
Larger trees
Autumn planting is also beneficial for larger trees as they are already in a state of growth at that time. However, in regions prone to severe autumn and winter storms, timely spring planting can be advantageous. During winter, tree bark heats up unevenly in the sun, which can lead to tension cracks in freshly planted trees due to significant temperature differences between the sunny and shady sides. To mitigate this risk and protect against excessive water loss, trees planted in autumn are wrapped in thin linen fabric. This provides additional protection and helps maintain more stable conditions for the newly planted trees.
