Fall is a prime time to plant trees in Kentucky because the autumn season means cooler temperatures and more moisture—two ideal planting conditions. As long as the ground is not frozen, trees and shrubs can be planted successfully. If you can dig the hole, you can plant the tree. In Central Kentucky, that could mean planting well into December, and even the New Year depending on the weather.
Because fall naturally brings more rainfall, newly planted trees and shrubs benefit from more ground moisture and are less likely to get stressed during this vulnerable stage of initial root establishment.
Speaking of roots, that is how trees focus energy during the hibernation months of fall and winter. Now, we are seeing trees defoliate, which is a signal that their energy is shifting away from growing leaves to growing roots. The fact is, trees grow year-round, except during the cold season that growing happens below ground. That’s great news for planting because trees are actively taking root in fall and winter, preparing for spring and summer when they will endure more heat, less moisture and more stress overall.
For all of these reasons, we encourage planting trees and shrubs in fall as you pursue landscape enhancements to increase the value of your property. Here are some hardy trees and shrubs that that perform well in Kentucky.
3 Shrubs For Fall Planting In Kentucky
Fothergilla
There are different varieties of fothergilla (witch-alder) that offer a range of growth habits, providing a suite of successful shrubs to suit varying desires for coverage. Fothergilla gardenii and Fothergilla gardenii Blue Mist are dwarf shrubs that grow 2 to 4 feet tall and wide. They produce white blooms from April to May and loves full to part sun. Their compact, mound shape stays contained and can be pruned to keep spread minimal.
Fothergilla Mount Airy is a larger plant that grows up to 5 feet tall with an equal spread. Like other Fothergilla, it is known for its bottlebrush shaped, puffy flowers that smell sweet like honey, and rich foliage through fall.
Red Twig Dogwood
The spiky, crimson branches of red twig dogwood stand out in the landscape, providing an attractive spray of vibrant, red color in fall once the shrub has defoliated. These plants are just as beautiful bare as when they are wearing a rich, green suit of leaves punctuated with white berries and flowers. The red twig dogwood is weather-ready, thriving in hot and cold temperatures. And, it is fast-growing, so it provides height and screening to a landscape without all the waiting. As a bonus, the pruned branches of red twig dogwood make beautiful holiday décor and wreaths.
Oak Leaf Hydrangea
The interesting, “peely” bark of oak leaf hydrangea offers an eye-catching texture and complement rich, purple blooms. This deciduous shrub grow up to 5 feet tall and wide, producing showy stems of flowers that are about 9 inches long. Foliage turns burgundy in fall, so many enjoy watching this shrub’s progression of beautiful color throughout the growing season. In spring and summer, the flowers are front and center; in fall the foliage takes the stage; and during winter its bark keeps the landscape interesting.
3 Trees For Fall Planting In Kentucky
Paperbark Maple
This smaller tree grows about 30 feet tall and produces smaller-sized uniquely shaped leaves. Its peeling bark provides textural contrast in the landscape, especially in winter after the tree has defoliated.
American Holly
This standard evergreen tree produces red berries and lends a rich green color to the landscape year-round. It can grow 40 to 50 feet once mature, and spread 18 to 40 feet wide. The American holly is relatively drought-resistant and can also deal with exceptionally wet conditions, making it a hardy selection for the Kentucky landscape. American holly naturally grows in a pyramid shape, but it can be pruned into a hedge and provides a great deal of privacy and screening.
Bracken’s Brown Beauty Magnolia
This variety of Southern Magnolia is one of the hardiest and can handle the unusually harsh winters we have been experiencing the past few years in Central Kentucky. Its leathery leaves are green on top and a cinnamon brown on the undersides. Fragrant, white flowers bloom to a generous 5- to 6-inch size. Its resilience in winter and the fact that it holds on to its leaves year-round makes this magnolia a winning selection.
Plant In Fall To Set The Stage For Spring
Planting trees and shrubs in fall gives them time to establish roots in ideal growing conditions, with ample moisture and cooler temperatures. In spring and summer, plants are naturally more stressed because they are spending energy producing leaves and flowers while dealing with heat. By planting now, you’ll give trees and shrubs a healthy head-start so they will be more deeply rooted and hardy come spring.
Let’s talk about what trees and shrubs best suit your Kentucky commercial property. Call us any time in Lexington at 859.254.0762 or Louisville at 502.264.0127. Or, fill out this simple contact form and we’ll get in touch with you.
