Plan Now for Beautiful Trees and Shrubs This Fall

July may feel like the heart of summer, but it’s actually one of the best times to start planning your next landscape project. While the busiest planting season is still a little way off, planning now gives you time to choose the right trees and shrubs, prepare planting areas, and enjoy the best selection when cooler weather arrives.

A little preparation today can make fall planting easier and help your landscape thrive for years to come.

Why Plan Ahead?

Taking time to plan before planting season arrives allows you to:

• Evaluate your current landscape
• Decide where additional shade or privacy is needed
• Choose plants that fit your space
• Prepare garden beds before planting begins

You’ll also have more time to research plants that fit your growing conditions and landscape goals.

Think About Your Landscape Needs

Walk around your yard and ask yourself:

• Does your home need more shade?
• Would flowering shrubs add seasonal color?
• Is it time to replace overgrown plants?
• Could native trees help attract birds and pollinators?
• Would evergreen shrubs provide year-round interest?

Planning now makes future projects much easier.

Prepare Your Planting Areas

Before planting season arrives, you can begin preparing your landscape.

Take time to:

• Remove weeds
• Edge planting beds
• Improve soil with compost
• Refresh mulch where needed
• Check drainage in planting areas

Healthy soil gives new trees and shrubs the best possible start.

Understand Why Fall Is a Great Planting Season

As temperatures begin to cool later in the season, trees and shrubs experience less heat stress while soil remains warm enough for roots to continue growing.

This combination allows plants to establish strong root systems before winter, helping them grow vigorously the following spring.

Keep Existing Trees and Shrubs Healthy

While planning for future additions, continue caring for the plants already in your landscape.

Remember to:

• Water deeply during dry periods
• Watch for insect damage
• Remove dead or damaged branches
• Replenish mulch if needed

Healthy, established plants create the perfect foundation for future landscape additions.

Consider Native Plants

Native trees and shrubs offer many benefits.

They often:

• Support local pollinators
• Provide food and shelter for wildlife
• Require less maintenance once established
• Adapt well to local growing conditions

Including native plants creates a healthier, more resilient landscape.

Visit Your Garden Center Early

Shopping before the busy fall season begins gives you an opportunity to explore new varieties and talk with gardening experts.

You can compare plant sizes, discuss growing conditions, and create a planting plan that fits your property before the rush of fall landscaping projects begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is July too early to think about fall planting?

Not at all. July is an excellent time to begin planning, preparing beds, and selecting trees and shrubs before the fall planting season arrives.

Why is fall such a good time to plant?

Cooler temperatures and warm soil encourage strong root growth while reducing stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.

Should I prepare my garden beds now?

Yes. Removing weeds, improving soil, and refreshing mulch now will make planting much easier later.

Can I still care for my existing trees during summer?

Absolutely. Continue watering during dry spells, monitor for pests, and maintain mulch to keep trees and shrubs healthy.

How do I choose the right tree or shrub?

Consider mature size, sunlight, soil conditions, and the purpose of the plant, whether it’s shade, privacy, seasonal color, or wildlife habitat.

Visit Us

Whether you’re planning a landscape makeover, choosing flowering shrubs, selecting shade trees, or looking for expert gardening advice, White House Nursery is here to help you every step of the way.

White House Nursery
17422 Falls Road
Upperco, MD 21155

Visit our knowledgeable team to explore quality trees, shrubs, native plants, and landscaping favorites that will help your garden thrive for years to come.