Fall Is the Perfect Time to Purchase and Plant Trees
At Brady Nursery, we often hear customers say they want to wait until spring to plant trees. It makes sense. Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and bursts of green everywhere you look. But what many people don’t realize is that fall is actually one of the best times of year to plant. The cooler temperatures, steady rainfall, and ideal soil conditions create the perfect environment for establishing strong, healthy root systems before winter arrives. If you’ve been thinking about adding shade, beauty, or structure to your landscape, now is the time to visit Brady Nursery. Planting in the fall sets your trees up for success and helps you enjoy the rewards for years to come. Brady Nursery has been planting trees in the fall and throughout the winter since 1952.
Cooler Temperatures, Happier Trees
During the fall, both air and soil temperatures are cooler, which reduces stress on newly planted trees. In the heat of summer, trees must work extra hard to draw moisture from the soil and stay hydrated. In the Fall, however, they can focus their energy on developing strong roots. At this time of year, trees aren’t pushing out new leaves or flowers. Instead, they’re directing nutrients and resources below ground. This is great news for your landscape because a well-established root system is the foundation for long-term health and stability. When you plant in the fall, your trees spend several months quietly strengthening their roots before the ground freezes. By the time spring rolls around, they’re ready to thrive with new growth and vibrant color.
More Reliable Moisture and Less Maintenance
Fall in Kansas typically brings more consistent rainfall, and this year has already accumulated A LOT of rainfall. This means your newly planted trees will receive steady moisture without as much supplemental watering. Combined with cooler temperatures, this reduces transplant shock and helps your trees adjust more easily to their new home. Of course, watering is still important, especially during dry spells. At Brady Nursery, we’ll help you determine the right watering schedule for your tree’s size, type, and location. But overall, planting in the fall often requires less maintenance than planting during the hot summer months.
A Better Selection
Another reason to plant now? It’s a great time to shop! Our fall inventory at Brady Nursery is full of healthy, hardy trees that are ready to go home with you. You’ll find everything from shade trees and flowering species to evergreens and ornamental favorites. Check out our Fall Sale for selected shade and flowering trees. You can get high-quality trees and expert planting advice while stretching your landscaping budget further.
Choose the Right Tree for Your Space
Selecting the right tree for your property is just as important as planting it at the right time. At Brady Nursery, we offer a diverse selection of trees tailored to Kansas’ unique weather and soil conditions. Some of our most popular fall-planted options include:
- Maples – Known for their stunning fall color and reliable shade.
- Oaks – Strong, long-lived trees that add beauty and structure to any yard.
- Redbuds – A spring favorite that establishes well in fall and adds bright blooms early in the season.
- Lacebark Elm – Heat and drought-tolerant.
- Flowering Crabapple – Come in many flowering colors and various shapes. They range from 6 to 20 feet tall.
- Evergreens – Perfect for year-round color and privacy screening.
Expert Tips for Successful Fall Planting
Ready to plant? Our staff is happy to guide you through every step, from selecting the right tree to planting and caring for it throughout the winter. Follow these simple tips to give your trees the best start possible:
- Prepare the soil – Loosen soil and add compost if needed to improve drainage and nutrient levels.
- Water deeply – Provide consistent moisture after planting, tapering off as temperatures drop. Apply Fertilome Root Stimulator 4 times, 2 weeks apart.
- Mulch well – Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Protect young trees – Consider a tree wrap or guard to protect against winter sunscald or wildlife damage. We recommend keeping trees wrapped for two years.
Visit Brady Nursery and Plant for the Future
Every tree you plant is an investment in your property, your community, and your environment. Fall planting helps ensure that investment pays off with stronger trees, less stress, and beautiful growth come spring. Stop by Brady Nursery today to explore our selection, ask questions, and find the perfect addition to your landscape. With the right start this fall, your new tree will reward you with beauty, shade, and value for generations to come.