Most container-grown or B&B trees and shrubs like we sell at Oriental Garden Supply make excellent candidates for fall planting, i.e, when temperatures cool to around 45 degrees. These plants usually have well-defined root systems and can continue to extend them before the ground freezes, particularly deciduous trees and shrubs. On the other hand, evergreen conifers have a different set of concerns. The slower-growing conifers planted later in the season have less time to grow their shallower, fibrous roots into the surrounding soil and will be more vulnerable to tipping over in high winds or with heavy snow loads. Those with truncated root systems such as those dug in the fall will be less able take up enough water to offset drying winter winds and will also be more susceptible to winter injury. Supplemental watering is especially important in a fall planting program particularly for conifers.
Below you will find two tables listing the suggested latest date for planting conifers in zones 5-6 (by date, and by genus/species). Note that these tables are not inclusive of all the evergreen conifers that we sell at Oriental Garden Supply, but, in general, the earlier in the fall you can plant, the more likely the success you will have. Any questions, please ask us!
