Can You Plant Arborvitae In The Fall
Yes — you can plant arborvitae in the fall, and in many cases it’s one of the best times to do so. As a gardener who has planted dozens of Thuja and other arborvitae varieties at my home and for neighbors, I can tell you fall offers several advantages for establishing healthy trees. This article explains why fall planting works, the steps to take, and common mistakes to avoid so your arborvitae thrives come spring.
Why Fall Is a Great Time for Planting Arborvitae
Arborvitae are cold-hardy evergreens that benefit from the cooler temperatures and steady soil conditions of autumn. Here’s why I prefer fall planting whenever possible:
- Root growth continues in cool soils after the top growth has slowed, allowing roots to establish before winter.
- Reduced heat stress compared to summer planting makes watering easier and reduces transplant shock.
- Less pest and disease pressure late in the season helps young trees settle in without extra stress.
- Fall planting gives a head start on spring growth, leading to a fuller, healthier plant.
Personal Experience
I planted a row of ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae in late October one year. I watered them thoroughly, mulched well, and came back in spring to find vigorous growth and very few losses. Those trees needed less babysitting than my spring-planted specimens because their roots had already started establishing once temperatures cooled.
Best Timing for Fall Planting
Timing matters. The ideal window is after the heat of summer has passed but while the soil is still warm enough for roots to grow. In most temperate climates that means mid-September through early November. The key is to plant early enough that the tree has 4–6 weeks of root activity before the ground freezes.
How to Know When to Plant
Look for two things:
- Soil temperature — if you can still easily work the soil and it’s above freezing during the day, roots can grow.
- Local first frost predictions — aim to give the arborvitae several weeks before your average hard freeze.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these practical steps to give your arborvitae the best start:
- Choose the right variety — ‘Emerald Green’ and ‘Green Giant’ are popular; match mature size to space available.
- Pick a site with good drainage and appropriate sun exposure for the variety.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball’s height.
- Loosen the root ball gently and spread circling roots. If roots are tight, score or tease them apart.
- Mix native soil with a small amount of compost — avoid excessive fertilizer at planting time.
- Set the tree so the root flare sits slightly above ground level; backfill and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly until the soil settles, and add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
Watering and Care After Planting
Watering is the most important job in fall. I water my newly planted arborvitae twice a week for the first month if there’s no rain, then reduce frequency as temperatures drop. The goal is steady moisture, not soggy soil. Continue to check soil moisture until it freezes solid.
Winter Preparation and Protection
Arborvitae can suffer winter burn from sun and wind. Take these simple protective steps:
- Maintain a good mulch layer to protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
- In exposed sites, consider temporary burlap windbreaks or anti-desiccant sprays for particularly harsh winters.
- Avoid heavy pruning in fall — wait until late winter or early spring to shape.
From my experience: a little mulch and attention to watering in fall prevents most winter problems. I lost more arborvitae from neglect in the first weeks after planting than from any other cause.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from mistakes I and many home gardeners have made:
- Planting too late — if the ground will freeze within a week, hold off until spring.
- Placing arborvitae in low, poorly drained sites — roots need oxygen and will rot in waterlogged soil.
- Overfertilizing at planting — fertilizer triggers tender shoots that are vulnerable to cold.
- Leaving mulch piled against trunks — this invites rot and pests.
Variety Notes and Spacing
Different arborvitae varieties have different mature heights and widths. For a privacy hedge, space ‘Green Giant’ about 5–6 feet apart for a dense screen; for narrower types like ‘Emerald Green’, 3–4 feet spacing works. I always walk the row and visualize mature spacing before planting — it saves replanting headaches later.
Final Thoughts and Quick Checklist
Can you plant arborvitae in the fall? Absolutely. With mindful timing, consistent watering, and winter prep, fall planting often produces healthier, better-established trees than spring planting. Here’s a quick checklist I use whenever I plant arborvitae in autumn:
- Choose appropriate variety and site
- Plant 4–6 weeks before expected hard freeze
- Prepare the hole properly and avoid deep planting
- Water deeply after planting and maintain moisture
- Mulch but keep mulch off the trunk
- Protect from harsh winter winds if site is exposed
Planting arborvitae in the fall is rewarding and, from my viewpoint, a smart choice for long-term success. With a little care, your trees will ride out winter and come back strong, ready to form the living privacy screen or ornamental accent you envisioned.
