Why Fall is the Best Season to Plant Green Giant Arborvitae

When it comes to planting trees, timing is everything. While spring often gets all the attention, fall is actually one of the best times to plant Green Giant Arborvitae. These resilient evergreens thrive when given the chance to establish strong roots in cooler weather, setting them up for a healthy start come spring. Here’s why fall planting might just be the perfect choice for your landscaping plans—and how to do it right.

Cooler Temperatures = Less Stress

• • • • • Fall’s cooler days and crisp evenings provide an ideal climate for new plantings. Green Giant Arborvitae experience less transplant shock in the mild autumn weather, giving them a better chance to establish themselves without the stress of summer heat.

Warm Soil Encourages Root Growth

• Although the air is cooler, the soil stays warm longer, creating the perfect conditions for root systems to grow and strengthen. Planting in fall allows Green Giant Arborvitae to develop their roots deeply before going dormant for the winter.

Ample Rainfall Reduces Maintenance

• Fall rains reduce the need for frequent watering, ensuring your Arborvitae stay hydrated without extra effort. This natural moisture works to settle the soil around the roots and promotes healthy establishment.

Get a Head Start on Spring Growth

• Trees planted in fall wake up in spring ready to grow. Instead of focusing on root establishment like spring plantings, your Arborvitae can put their energy into new foliage, giving you an earlier payoff for your investment.

Follow these steps to ensure a successful fall planting for your Green Giant Arborvitae:

• Pick a site with well-drained soil that gets plenty of sunlight. Green Giant Arborvitae thrive in full sun or partial shade.
• For privacy screens or windbreaks, measure spacing carefully. Plan for 5 feet between trees in a single row or 8 feet in staggered rows.

• Loosen the soil and remove weeds or grass around the planting area.
• Enrich the soil with organic compost to improve drainage and provide nutrients.

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
• Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root ball is level with the ground.
• Fill in the hole with a mix of soil and compost, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.

• Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
• Keep the mulch about 2 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

1. Water immediately after planting to help the soil settle around the roots.
2. Continue to water deeply once a week (or more often during dry periods) until the ground freezes.

• Protect Against Winter Damage: Use burlap wraps or windbreaks to shield young Arborvitae from harsh winter winds. Check out our blog on How to Prevent Winter Burn
• Avoid Overwatering: While fall rains are helpful, check soil moisture regularly to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
• Consider Fertilizing: In late fall, apply a slow-release, evergreen-specific fertilizer to give your Arborvitae a nutrient boost for winter. Refer to our post on How to Fertilize Green Giant Arborvitae for detailed guidance.

Green Giant Arborvitae are perfect candidates for fall planting thanks to their adaptability and rapid growth. Known for their year-round lush greenery, these trees are ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, and decorative landscaping. Their natural resilience to pests, diseases, and harsh weather makes them a reliable choice for homeowners and contractors alike.

Fall may be the perfect season to plant, but preparation is key to success. Order your trees early to ensure availability and schedule your planting project before the ground freezes. At Rolling Fields Tree Farm, we offer a wide selection of Green Giant Arborvitae in sizes from 6 to 18 feet, ready to transform your outdoor space.

Don’t wait until spring to start your landscaping journey. Plant your Green Giant Arborvitae this fall and enjoy the benefits of strong, healthy growth in the months to come. Browse our or selection of trees for expert advice on choosing and planting the perfect trees for your property.