The Perfect Time for Planting Fruit Trees: An Autumn Adventure

As the summer days filled with beach outings and barbecues start to fade, this could be your best opportunity to move ahead with your gardening plans. If due to some reasons your gardening goals got delayed this year, there is no need to worry. Many fruit tree varieties actually thrive when planted in the early fall. Benefitting from the more subdued light of September and October, fruit trees can gather an optimal amount of sunshine while avoiding the stress associated with high summer temperatures.

The secret to successful fruit tree planting in autumn lies in the right watering regimen, strategic pruning, and informed choices regarding the types of roots, tree varieties, and timing of dormancy. Madeline Kay Wimmer, a fruit production educator at the University of Minnesota Extension, believes that the method and timing of planting can make all the difference. According to her, it's best to plant in the early fall, providing the tree ample time to establish roots before seasonal frost sets in.

While the autumn's milder temperatures can help young trees flourish, particularly in the southern regions of the US, Wimmer suggests a layer of mulch over the soil where the tree is planted as a precaution against the harsh winters in northern states. She also advises protecting the trees from animals by using tree guards.

The time-honored apple tree, a symbol of autumn, is one fruit tree well equipped for planting in the fall due to its hardiness against winter frost. Adrienne Roethling, head gardener at Juniper Level Botanic Garden, shares that when picking an apple variety to grow, the best way is to select a variety that's been grafted onto a rootstock suited to your local climate.

Cherry trees, ready for harvest as early as May, can also enjoy an autumn planting. Adequate watering in the early months, especially during dry periods, is imperative for the proper establishment of cherry trees.

Planting a pear tree in the fall can help it avoid summer heat stress while a slightly less robust peach tree can also be helped to navigate the winter months if planted in the early fall. But keep in mind that planting a bare-root tree in dormancy is usually the best choice for late season planting.

One tree that is often overlooked but can add an unexpected twist in any kitchen is the persimmon tree. Thriving in warmer climates, persimmons provide delightful flavours to compotes, salads, and tarts, explains Roethling.

So, the arrival of fall promises a new opportunity for you to roll up your sleeves and start planting fruit trees for a bountiful future harvest.