Spring may get most of the attention when it comes to landscaping, but fall can be one of the best times of year to add trees and shrubs to your property. Cooler temperatures make outdoor projects more comfortable, and the combination of warm soil and cooler air can create excellent conditions for new plants to begin establishing their roots before winter.
For homeowners and landscape contractors throughout Maryland and the Washington, DC area, fall is a great opportunity to replace struggling plants, add privacy, improve curb appeal, or start planning next year’s landscape. RELS Landscape Supply carries a variety of trees, shrubs, soils, mulch, and other landscape products to help get fall planting projects off to a strong start.
Cooler Fall Weather Helps New Plants Get Established
Planting during the heat of summer can put additional stress on trees and shrubs, especially when temperatures stay high for long periods. During fall, cooler air temperatures reduce some of that stress while the soil often remains warm enough for roots to continue developing.
This gives newly planted trees and shrubs time to establish themselves before the ground gets cold. Instead of putting most of their energy into producing new leaves and flowers, plants can focus more of their energy below ground. A stronger root system can help them handle winter conditions and puts them in a better position when warmer weather returns in the spring. Fall weather can also make watering easier to manage. New trees and shrubs still need consistent moisture, but cooler temperatures generally mean less water is lost to evaporation than during the hottest part of summer.
Fall Is a Good Time to Take a Fresh Look at Your Landscape
By late summer, it’s usually pretty easy to see which areas of a landscape need attention. Trees or shrubs may have struggled through the heat, some plants may have outgrown their space, and other areas may simply look empty or unfinished. Fall provides a good opportunity to step back and decide what could improve the property.
New trees can provide shade, create a focal point, or help define different areas of a yard. Shrubs are useful for adding privacy, creating borders, filling landscape beds, and adding color and texture around a home. Choosing the right plants for the amount of sunlight, available space, and soil conditions will help give them the best chance for long-term success.
Don’t Forget About the Soil and Mulch
Choosing healthy trees and shrubs is only part of a successful planting project. Preparing the area around them is just as important. Good soil gives new roots an environment where they can establish and grow, while proper drainage helps prevent problems caused by water collecting around the root system.
After planting, adding a layer of mulch can help hold moisture in the soil, reduce weeds, and protect roots as temperatures begin to change. Mulch also gives newly planted areas a clean, finished appearance heading into the fall and winter months. RELS carries a wide selection of mulch and soil products that can be used for everything from planting a single shrub to completing a much larger landscape installation.
Start This Fall and Enjoy the Results Next Spring
One of the best reasons to plant trees and shrubs in the fall is that you’re getting a head start on next year’s landscape. Plants that have had time to begin establishing roots before winter can be ready to continue growing when temperatures warm up in the spring.
That makes fall planting especially useful for homeowners who already know they want to make changes next year. Instead of waiting until spring to begin the entire project, you can complete much of the work now and give your new trees and shrubs additional time to settle into their new location.
Find Trees, Shrubs and Landscape Materials at RELS
Whether you’re replacing one shrub or planning an entirely new landscape, RELS Landscape Supply can help you find the products you need for a successful fall project. In addition to trees and shrubs, RELS offers mulch, soils, stone, grass seed, sod, fertilizers, hardscape materials, and other landscape supplies for homeowners and contractors throughout the region.
Visit RELS Landscape Supply in Olney, Maryland to see what’s currently available and talk with our team about your project. You can also browse our landscape products online, check out our project gallery for ideas, or take advantage of RELS delivery services when you need larger quantities of materials brought directly to your home or job site. Getting started this fall can mean healthier plants, a better-looking landscape, and one less project waiting for you when spring arrives.