Fall Planting in Chicagoland: What to Plant and When
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
Spring may get most of the attention in the garden, but fall is one of the best planting seasons in Chicagoland. Cooler temperatures, warm soil and typically more consistent moisture create excellent conditions for establishing many trees, shrubs and perennials before winter. For gardeners in USDA Zone 5, timing matters. Choosing plants suited to our climate and getting them into the ground early enough to establish roots can make a significant difference in how well they perform the following spring. Perricone Garden Center has over 25 Acres of Plants and Nursery at the Garden Center, with a full dedicated team of Landscaping experts on staff. Get more privacy and color next summer by scheduling now.
At Perricone Garden Center & Nursery in Volo, Illinois, fall is an excellent time to choose hardy plants for your landscape and get a head start on next year's garden.
Why Fall Is a Great Time to Plant in Northern Illinois
During spring and summer, newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials must devote energy to both root development and above-ground growth. Summer heat can add additional stress. Fall provides a different environment. As air temperatures cool, plants require less energy for leaves, flowers and new top growth. Meanwhile, the soil remains relatively warm, allowing roots to continue developing even after temperatures above ground have dropped.
Fall planting also offers several practical advantages:
Cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress.
Warm soil encourages continued root development.
Plants generally require less frequent watering than during summer heat.
Fall rainfall can help keep newly planted landscapes hydrated.
Established roots give plants a head start when growth resumes in spring.
The result can be stronger establishment and less stress when summer heat arrives the following year.
What Can You Plant in Fall in Zone 5?
Many landscape plants perform very well when planted during fall. Need help deciding?
Trees
Fall is an excellent time to add many deciduous trees to a Northern Illinois landscape.
Depending on your property, trees can provide shade, privacy, seasonal color and structure within the landscape. When selecting a tree, consider its mature size rather than simply how it looks at the garden center today. Also consider sunlight, soil conditions, drainage and proximity to buildings, sidewalks and utility lines. Choosing the right tree for the right location is one of the most important decisions you can make for long-term landscape success.
Shrubs
Shrubs are another strong choice for fall planting. They can be used to create foundation plantings, privacy screens, borders and focal points. Many varieties also provide flowers, berries, interesting foliage or fall color. Fall planting gives shrubs an opportunity to begin establishing their root systems before their first full growing season.
Perennials
Fall can also be a great time to plant hardy perennials. Adding perennials now allows you to plan garden beds while you can still see which areas need additional color, height or texture.
Look for varieties that are well suited to Zone 5 and match the sunlight and soil conditions in your garden.
Don't Forget Fall Color Plantings
Planting season does not mean your landscape has to stop looking colorful. Cool-season plants and seasonal displays can keep patios, entrances and garden beds attractive well into fall. Mums are an obvious favorite, but they are only one option. Ornamental grasses, asters and plants with colorful foliage can add texture and seasonal interest as summer annuals begin to fade. Fall is also a good time to look at your landscape as a whole and identify areas that lack late-season interest.
When Should You Plant in Chicagoland?
Earlier is generally better. (SCHEDULE NOW) Trees, shrubs and perennials need time to begin establishing roots before the ground freezes. Planting during September and early October typically provides a longer establishment period than waiting until late fall.
That does not mean planting suddenly ends on a specific calendar date. Weather conditions vary from year to year. The important factors are soil temperature, plant type and how much time remains before consistently freezing conditions arrive.
If you are uncertain whether it is too late for a particular plant, ask before planting. Our nursery staff can help you determine whether planting now makes sense or whether waiting until spring would be the better choice. Give us a call 815:-344-8678!
Choose Plants for Your Property, Not Just Their Appearance
One of the easiest gardening mistakes is choosing a plant because it looks beautiful at the nursery without considering where it will live. View our plant inventory list.
Before purchasing, consider:
Full sun, partial shade or shade
Soil and drainage conditions
Available space at maturity
Desired height and width
Privacy or screening needs
Flowering season
Fall color
Maintenance requirements
Deer and wildlife considerations
Perricone Garden Center & Nursery carries trees, shrubs, perennials and landscape materials selected for Northern Illinois growing conditions. Our team can help you narrow your choices based on your property and landscaping goals.
Need Help Planting It?
Choosing the plants yourself does not necessarily mean you have to install them yourself.
Perricone Garden Center offers plant installation services for homeowners who want professional help getting trees and shrubs properly placed and planted. This can be especially useful for larger trees, substantial shrubs or projects involving multiple plants.
Ask our team about installation options when selecting your plants. We have a full Landscaping team of experts.
Plan This Fall for a Better Landscape Next Spring
Fall planting is one of the easiest ways to get ahead of next year's landscape. Instead of waiting for the spring rush, you can use the cooler months to fill empty spaces, add trees and shrubs, improve privacy and introduce more seasonal color. Visit Perricone Garden Center & Nursery in Volo, Illinois, to explore plants suited to Zone 5 landscapes and get help selecting the right plants for your property.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fall Planting in Illinois
Is fall a good time to plant trees in Illinois?
Yes. Fall can be an excellent time to plant many trees because cooler air temperatures reduce stress while relatively warm soil supports root development.
Can I plant shrubs in the fall?
Many hardy shrubs can be successfully planted in fall. Earlier planting provides more time for roots to begin establishing before the ground freezes.
Can perennials be planted in fall in Zone 5?
Yes. Many Zone 5 hardy perennials can be planted during fall. Planting earlier in the season provides more time for establishment.
Do newly planted trees need water in the fall?
Yes. Newly planted trees and shrubs should be monitored and watered as needed until the ground freezes.
Does Perricone Garden Center install plants?
Yes. Ask about plant installation when purchasing trees, shrubs and other landscape plants if you would prefer professional installation. We have a full team dedicated to Perricone Bros Landscaping.
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