Although most trees can planted throughout the growing season, some are best planted in spring to ensure they get a strong start. Both your climate and the tree’s characteristics play a part in making spring the best time to plant these trees. This guide explains all the factors to consider, according to tree experts. You’ll also find essential tips and insights into why the planting time matters. And you’ll get expert recommendations for specific types of trees to plant in spring.

The Best Time to Plant Trees

While trees can technically be planted anytime the ground is unfrozen, some seasons work better than others. “Both spring and fall tend to have cooler temperatures, which reduces moisture loss as trees absorb water in their roots and evaporate water through their leaves in a process called evapotranspiration,” says Eric North, an arborist who manages the urban forestry program for the Arbor Day Foundation.

With some trees, however, spring is the clear winner. “Flowering and deciduous trees in general are nice to plant in the spring to give them a full growing season before going dormant in the fall,” North says. “The following spring, the trees are more apt to produce flowers and possibly fruit.”

Types of Trees to Plant in Spring

There are a few general guidelines on what types of trees are best planted in spring, according to Sharon Yiesla, a horticulturist who answers questions from the public for the Morton Arboretum’s Plant Clinic. She recommends spring planting for trees that:

• Have coarse, fleshy, or sparse roots, such as hornbeam and magnolia
• Have long taproots, such as hickory trees and many oaks
• Take longer to establish, such as evergreen trees
• Have thin bark, such as birch and cherry
• Are not locally grown and may need more time to adjust to the new climate
• Are marginally hardy in your region
• Were recently transplanted

Getting to the Root of the Matter

Yiesla points out that the condition of your tree’s roots should be factored into the best time to plant. “For trees that may be better planted in spring due to root issues, container-grown plants will have more flexibility in terms of planting time because you get the whole root system with a plant that was grown in the container.” Conversely, she adds, balled-and-burlapped trees lose a fair amount of their roots when dug up, so they need more time to adapt.

Bare-root trees are perhaps the most sensitive to seasonal fluctuations. “Trees are dug out of the field in the fall and stored in large coolers until they are able to be shipped in the spring,” says North. “The digging process cuts most of the tree’s roots, leaving the roots in the field.”

Spring planting gives bare-root trees an entire growing season to replenish the root system before winter. It’s important to plant these types of trees after frost has left the ground but before buds begin to swell in anticipation of new growth. That’s because fewer resources are available for root growth when stems are actively growing.

Even container-grown specimens with fully intact root systems can benefit from spring planting because it provides more time for root growth. More roots helps trees better withstand the heat and drought of summer, and the dryness and cold of winter.

Seasonal and Regional Considerations

Regardless of the way a tree comes from a nursery, earlier planting can be beneficial. “Fruit trees do well when planted in the spring, though you should expect less flowering and fruiting in the first spring.” North says. “Other deciduous trees do well when planting in the spring or fall, but if you are looking for fall color, it’s nice to plant red and sugar maples as well as pin and red oak and American sweetgum in the spring.”

Where winters are warmer, “Citrus trees, southern dogwoods, and magnolias are good to plant in spring when temps are cooler and water stress easier to manage.” North says. “The following spring you could see better flowering and fruiting. With southern species, make sure to plant in later spring, after the possible cold temps or frost have subsided.”

Best Trees to Plant in Spring

Yiesla recommends planting these particular trees in spring rather than any other time of the year to help them get off to a strong start.