Fall is the best time to plant trees in St. Louis. The summer heat is gone, the soil is still warm, and fall rain does a lot of the watering for you. Most homeowners think of spring as planting season, but trees and shrubs planted now get a real head start.
There’s another reason to plant now. Fall is when being outside in St. Louis feels good again. Cool mornings, mild afternoons, and long evenings on the patio make it the perfect season to enjoy a yard that feels more like yours.
Below, we’ll cover why fall planting works so well here, and walk through a recent Olivette project where we reworked a backyard into a private outdoor retreat.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant Trees in St. Louis
In St. Louis, the best window for fall tree planting is September through October, and often into November. The University of Missouri Extension recommends planting trees and shrubs from September until the end of October at our latitude, so roots have time to grow before the soil cools. Planting later can still work well.
Here’s why fall planting gives trees such a strong start:
- Warm soil, cool air. The Missouri Botanical Garden notes that fall soil temperatures are ideal for root growth. The top of the tree slows down, and the energy goes into the roots.
- Less heat stress. A tree planted in June has to survive a St. Louis July right away. A tree planted in October gets months to settle in first.
- More rain. The Missouri Department of Conservation points to fall’s milder temperatures and more frequent rainfall as good conditions for new trees.
- Fewer pests. Cooler weather means fewer insects and diseases while young trees are getting established, according to MU Extension.
- A better summer. Trees planted in fall are often better prepared for the heat and dry spells of the following summer.
The result is a tree that looks great come spring and is ready for its first summer. But you don’t have to wait until May to enjoy it. Fall color, berries, and a fresh new look are things you get to enjoy right now.
Project Spotlight: A Private Backyard Retreat in Olivette
This Olivette backyard backs up to the neighbor’s house. Every time the homeowners looked out at their yard, they were looking at the house next door too. They wanted to enjoy their backyard without thinking about the neighbors.
They already had a landscape they’d put real care into, so we didn’t start over. We started with what they had.
First, we moved a Japanese maple that was getting crowded. Moving it gave the maple more room to grow and opened up space for a new privacy planting. Then we added a native black gum tree, five winterberry hollies, and five Gro-Low fragrant sumacs to create a layered screen with height, depth, and fall color.
Our team laying out the plants right where the homeowners want them, ahead of planting.
Now, when they look out the window in the morning, they see their own private backyard instead of straight into the neighbor’s.
How We Plant Trees in St. Louis
Planting a tree well is about more than digging a hole. Here’s how this project came together.
- We plan the spot with you. Before anything goes in the ground, we lay out every plant where it will go. You get to stand in your yard, look from your windows, and adjust until it feels right.
- We bring the trees in. Trees are loaded and delivered by truck, ready to plant.
- We move them with machines. Our team uses equipment to carry trees into place. That’s easier on the tree, and easier on your lawn and beds.
- We plant at the right depth. Trees planted too deep or too shallow often struggle. We set each one so the top of the root system sits at or just above soil level, as the Missouri Department of Conservation recommends.
- We finish it off. Mulch, a thorough first watering, and clear care instructions before we leave.
From smaller ornamental trees to larger shade trees, we can handle the size you have in mind. And because we work with you on placement from the start, the finished space feels personal, not cookie cutter.
The Trees and Shrubs We Chose
For this Olivette yard, we chose plants that do well in St. Louis and look great in every season, especially fall.
- Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica). A Missouri native tree with some of the best red fall color around. It adds height to the privacy screen, and birds love its small dark berries.
- Berry Poppins winterberry holly (5). A compact holly that loses its leaves in fall and shows off bright red berries through the winter. It brings color to the yard when most plants are done for the year.
- Gro-Low fragrant sumac (5). A low, spreading Missouri native shrub that fills in the ground layer, with glossy leaves that turn orange and red in fall.
Together, they create a layered look: a tree for height, shrubs for the middle, and a low groundcover to tie it all together. Native plants are also a smart choice for St. Louis yards, since they’re adapted to our soil, weather, and local wildlife.
Caring for New Trees After Planting
The first year matters most for a new tree. Consistent watering is one of the most important things you can do to help roots get established, especially during dry spells.
We don’t plant and walk away. Every planting comes with watering guidance so you know exactly what your new trees need. For ongoing support, our tree and shrub care service keeps new and established plants healthy year after year.
Fall Tree Planting FAQ
When is the best time to plant trees in St. Louis?
Fall is the best time for most trees and shrubs. September through October is ideal, and planting often continues into November while the ground is workable.
Is fall or spring better for planting trees in Missouri?
Both can work, but fall gives roots more time to grow before summer heat. Some tender plants or ones that are harder to transplant do better in spring, so it’s worth asking a pro about your specific tree.
How late in the fall can you plant trees in St. Louis?
Trees can often be planted until the ground freezes. Earlier is better, since it gives roots more time to settle in before winter.
What are good trees for privacy in St. Louis?
It depends on your space, sun, and how much year-round coverage you want. A layered mix of trees and shrubs, like the one in this Olivette project, often gives a more natural look than a single row of one plant.
Do you plant large trees?
Yes. We use equipment to move and place trees, so we can handle most sizes homeowners have in mind.
Make the Most of Your Fall
Whether you’re picturing a whole new look or just a few new trees, now is the time to plant. You’ll get to enjoy your yard this fall, and your trees will be ready to shine come spring.
