Fall is the Perfect Time for Planting Across Central Ohio

As we enter the fall, days will gradually grow shorter, and the air will turn crisp. These are optimal conditions for planting in Bexley, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grandview, New Albany, Worthington, and all across the greater Columbus, Ohio region. Spring often gets the spotlight for planting as bulbs bloom, and we seek to get outdoors. But fall is an equally, if not more, advantageous time for planting. 

Here are three reasons why fall is the ideal season for Rine Landscape Group to enhance your bespoke outdoor living space.

Ideal Temperature and Soil Conditions 

Rine Landscape Group understands how to amend and prepare soil to support healthy plants year-round. Soil temperature is one of the biggest drivers of root growth and it can be very conducive to planting in the fall. The soil is usually warm and moist, and air temperatures are cooler; therefore, plants lose less moisture through transpiration. This reduces the stress on new plants and allows the plants to focus carbohydrate and energy distribution on root development rather than new foliage growth. The cooler temperatures and shorter days of fall create a more stable and predictable environment for plants. As a result, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals planted in the fall can establish more robust, extensive root systems before the onset of winter. 

Tip: Every property has unique shade, soil conditions, planting, and design considerations. Rine Landscape Group’s design and horticulture professionals understand which trees, shrubs, and ornamentals thrive in these considerations. We listen and support our discerning clients, specifying and ensuring the right plants are chosen for the right place to optimize design and plant health.

Reduced Pest and Disease Pressure

Another advantage of planting in the fall is reduced pressure from pests and diseases. As temperatures lower and the growing season begins to wind down, insects that eat foliage ore into wood, such as aphids, mites, Japanese beetles, and borers, are also coming to the end of their season. Additionally, as humidity decreases with the lowering temperatures, fungal pathogens, which can be particularly stressful for ornamentals, are less aggressive and less likely to spread. This reduction in disease pressure allows newly planted trees and shrubs to focus on rooting and acclimating to their new environment without the stress of fighting off infections.   

TIP: The fall is also a great time to assess your property for the winter. Early identification and planning for necessary treatments over the winter will set your plants up for success as the next growing season begins in the Spring. It is also essential to remove any damaged branches using proper pruning techniques. This helps to focus the plant’s energy and improves its overall health. Applying treatments such as horticultural oils will also help control insects’ eggs and larvae over the winter and support better plant health and regeneration for the spring.    

Less Watering and Maintenance

Fall planting typically requires less watering and maintenance than planting in the spring and summer. In the cooler months, less intense sunlight leads to slower evaporation rates, allowing the soil to retain moisture for more extended periods. Moreover, trees and shrubs move toward a dormancy period with reduced metabolic activity. During dormancy, trees and shrubs begin to shed their leaves, which is where most of the plant's transpiration happens, so they require less water. Overall, the combination of favorable weather conditions, reduced watering needs, and the plants’ natural dormancy cycle makes fall a less maintenance-intensive season for establishing new trees and shrubs in Ohio.  

TIP: Rine Landscape Group’s horticulturalists recommend a comprehensive tree, shrub, and woody ornamental fall planting approach. It starts with selecting species that will thrive in New Albany, Dublin, and Columbus, Ohio. Preparation may include a professional soil analysis to identify nutrient requirements, amending the soil with the right mixture of organic matter during planting, and using proper planting techniques.

Plan Your Fall Planting to Enhance Your Outdoor Living Environment  

Rine Landscape Group has focused on the details for over twenty years, helping discerning clients in Bexley, Dublin, New Albany, Upper Arlington, Worthington, and Columbus, Ohio. We believe your entire property is an extension of your home, an opportunity to tell your story and express your sense of style. As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures drop, let's discuss your vision for your outdoor living space. Our team will collaborate with you to design and install a space that brings your vision to life, creating an extension of your home. A luxurious outdoor living space where you can relax, entertain, and create memories!