The Best Time to Plant Trees: Fall Tree Installation Guide for Chattanooga

October 20, 2025

As the crisp air of fall rolls in, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to tree planting. While spring is often touted as the ideal time to plant trees, fall offers several advantages that make it a prime season for tree installation in Chattanooga. With cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall, fall provides the ideal environment for your new trees to establish strong roots before the winter chill arrives.



In this guide, we’ll explore why fall is the best time to plant trees in Chattanooga, along with expert tips on how to make your tree installation a success.


Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting Trees in Chattanooga

Fall planting offers numerous benefits that can help your trees thrive. Here’s why it’s the best time to plant:

Cooler temperatures: Fall brings cooler air and less intense sun, which reduces the stress on newly planted trees. This means less risk of dehydration and sunburn compared to planting in the hotter summer months.

Optimal root growth: While the top growth of trees slows down in fall, the roots continue to grow and establish themselves. With the soil still warm from summer, your tree’s roots have the perfect conditions to grow deep into the soil, allowing for a stronger foundation that will help the tree thrive in the spring.

More rainfall: Fall typically brings more consistent rainfall, which helps your new trees establish their root systems without the need for frequent watering. This is particularly helpful in Chattanooga, where summer droughts can sometimes be an issue.

Less pest pressure: In fall, there are fewer pests and insects that might disturb newly planted trees, giving them a quieter, more peaceful start as they prepare for winter dormancy.

When to Plant Trees in Fall

The best time to plant trees in Chattanooga generally runs from mid-September through November, depending on the weather. Aim to plant at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost (typically around late November in our region).


This gives your tree enough time to develop its root system before the colder temperatures set in. However, planting too early in fall (like in August) may expose your trees to stress from lingering heat.


If you’re planting deciduous trees that lose their leaves, aim to plant them early in the fall. Evergreen trees can be planted a little later, as their roots will keep growing through the winter months.




Choosing the Right Trees for Fall Planting

Selecting the right tree for your landscape is crucial to ensuring its success. Chattanooga’s USDA hardiness zone (7a) offers a wide range of tree options. Here are some popular choices for fall planting in our area:


  • Oaks (Red Oak, White Oak): Oak trees are ideal for the Chattanooga area and are known for their longevity and strength. These trees provide excellent shade and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.


  • Maples (Sugar Maple, Red Maple): Maples are a favorite for their vibrant fall color. They also grow well in Chattanooga and offer both shade and beauty to your landscape.


  • Dogwoods (Flowering Dogwood): This small, ornamental tree is known for its stunning spring blooms and vibrant fall foliage. Dogwoods thrive in well-drained soil and are well-suited for smaller spaces.


  • Magnolias (Southern Magnolia, Sweetbay Magnolia): Magnolias are ideal for Chattanooga’s climate, offering both beauty and a pleasant fragrance. They grow best when planted in the fall, especially in more southern areas.


  • Crape Myrtles: A favorite in Southern landscapes, Crape Myrtles are hardy and offer beautiful blooms in summer and attractive bark year-round.


  • Evergreens (Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress): Evergreen trees add year-round privacy and greenery to your yard. They’re perfect for creating a natural screen, and planting them in fall allows for strong root establishment.


  • Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus): A native tree to the region, fringetrees offer beautiful white blooms in late spring and grow well in a variety of conditions, making them a great choice for fall planting.



How to Plant Trees in Fall

Once you’ve selected the perfect tree for your yard, the next step is to plant it properly to ensure a healthy start. Follow these steps for a successful fall tree installation:


1. Select the Right Spot

Before you start digging, consider your tree's future growth. Make sure to choose a location that allows the tree enough space to grow both upward and outward. Take into account the tree’s mature size, and avoid planting too close to buildings, sidewalks, or power lines.


2. Dig a Proper Hole

Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the tree’s root ball but no deeper. The depth of the hole should be such that the tree’s root ball is level with the surrounding ground. This ensures that the roots have plenty of room to spread out without being buried too deep.


3. Prepare the Soil

Mix in some native soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and provide essential nutrients. Avoid using fertilizer in the planting hole, as this can burn the young roots. If your soil is clay-heavy or compacted, consider adding some sand or organic matter to improve drainage.


4. Place the Tree in the Hole

Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. If your tree has burlap, remove it carefully, making sure to leave any wire or string behind. This helps the roots establish more easily.


5. Backfill the Hole

Fill the hole with the prepared soil, gently pressing it down to remove air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Add more soil if necessary, but avoid piling it up around the trunk.


6. Mulch Around the Base

Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, making sure it doesn’t touch the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, insulates the roots, and suppresses weeds.


7. Water and Care for Your New Tree

Water your newly planted tree thoroughly. In the fall, watering should be done deeply but less frequently. Continue to water the tree every 1-2 weeks throughout fall, depending on the rainfall. If it’s dry, ensure the tree gets sufficient moisture to help its roots establish.




Tree Care After Planting

  • Monitor for pests and diseases: Although fall tends to have fewer pests, it's still important to keep an eye on your tree for any signs of insect infestation or disease.


  • Protect from winter elements: Consider wrapping your tree in burlap if it’s a tender species or if your tree is young. This will protect it from harsh winds, frost, and potential damage from animals.


  • Watering through winter: Even in winter, your tree will need some watering, especially if there’s a dry spell. Water it when necessary, particularly during warm spells.



Conclusion

Fall is an ideal time to plant trees in Chattanooga. Cooler temperatures, adequate rainfall, and optimal root growth conditions make this season perfect for tree installation. By following these tips for selecting, planting, and caring for your trees, you’ll set the foundation for a thriving, beautiful landscape in the years to come.



Ready to plant a tree this fall? Contact us today for expert tree planting services, and let us help you bring your landscape vision to life!

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