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Cooler temps, fewer pests, and strong roots: here's why fall is the best time to plant.
We have a saying around here: Fall is the second spring. When most people think of gardening, spring is the first season that comes to mind. But here in Northwest Arkansas, fall is our best-kept secret. The soil is still warm, the days are cooler, and the plants? They're quietly putting down deep roots for a spectacular spring.
Whether you're planting trees, shrubs, or perennials, fall gives you a head start on next year’s growth. Let’s dig into why fall planting works so well here—and how you can make the most of this underrated season.
Roots develop best in fall. The soil stays warm long after the air cools off, which is a win for root development! When you plant in fall, roots grow steadily through winter (particularly when temperatures are mild), meaning your plants are stronger and more established once spring arrives.
Roots continue to grow whenever the soil is above about 40°F, even though the top of the plant looks dormant. With cooler air, plants lose less water through their leaves, and increased rainfall keeps soil moisture consistent—creating low-stress conditions for root development.
When winter arrives, hardy plants enter dormancy above ground, but the root systems established in fall remain alive. These roots store carbohydrates that help the plant survive the cold and fuel strong top growth in spring. This strong foundation ensures that when spring arrives, plants can focus on vigorous top growth rather than first struggling to establish a root system.
Less stress for new plants. Unlike spring or summer, fall’s cooler weather means less water evaporation and less heat stress. Daytime temperatures are cooler and nights are longer, which reduces the intensity of transpiration—the process where plants lose water through leaf pores (stomata). Lower transpiration rates mean plants conserve more water, so they don’t have to work as hard to stay hydrated. Soil is also warmer than the air this time of year, allowing roots to grow steadily without the stress of hot, dry conditions that can cause wilting or leaf scorch in spring and summer.
Fewer pests, fewer weeds. Many insect populations decline dramatically in the fall as day length shortens and temperatures drop. Sap-sucking pests like aphids, for example, slow reproduction or die off entirely as their host plants go dormant. Likewise, fungal pathogens that thrive in hot, humid conditions become less active, which lowers the risk of foliar diseases and root rots in new plantings. This creates a healthier environment for young plants to settle in without constant chemical or manual intervention.
Weed pressure is also lighter in fall. Warm-season weeds like crabgrass or spurge complete their life cycles in late summer and aren’t reseeding aggressively anymore. Cool-season weeds germinate later, but their growth is slower in cooler weather and easier to manage. With fewer competitors stealing light, nutrients, and water, new plantings have a clearer path to establish strong roots.
More enjoyable garden time for you. Fall gardening feels calmer. There's no race against the heat. It’s just more pleasant to dig in the dirt when it’s 65 and sunny instead of sweating and battling the mosquitos of summer.
Also, fall planting doesn’t have to be just about long-term plants. Planting cool-season annuals now can bring fresh color to fading garden beds and patio containers. Plus, it’s the perfect time to plant cool-season crops and to get Spring bulbs in the ground!
Fall is hands-down the best time to plant trees and shrubs in our area. It’s true! The soil is still workable, and your plants have time to root in deeply.
Some of our favorites for fall planting:
👉 Tip: Use a layer of mulch after planting to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Just don’t mound it up right around the trunk.
Planting perennials in fall means they’ll be ready to put on a big show in the spring. Just plant a couple in the Fall and compare them to your Spring additions—you’ll be amazed. They may not be in their blooming season now, but they’re working below the surface.
Fall favorites:
👉 Tip: Perennials love compost. Mix some into your planting hole to boost root development.
Planting cool-season annuals in the fall gives your garden instant color that can last through winter and even into early spring in our area. These plants love crisp weather and often thrive into winter.
Current favorites:
👉 Tip: When planting fall annuals, pinch back the first set of blooms to encourage bushier growth and more flowers over time. It may feel counter-intuitive, but it helps extend the blooming season.
And don’t forget that Fall is bulb-planting season! Get them in the ground before it freezes so they can develop strong roots and be ready to bloom beautifully in spring.
Favorites to plant now:
👉 Tip: Plant bulbs two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall, and add a little bone meal to the hole to boost root growth.
Think veggie gardening ends in August? Think again. Our fall garden is just getting started.
Now’s the time to plant:
👉 Tip: Fall-grown veggies are often sweeter and more tender, thanks to cool nights. Just watch for early frosts and be ready to cover or harvest delicate crops if needed.
Fall is the perfect time to refresh your planters with cool-season annuals and textural plants that thrive in our mild autumn seasons. A well-planted container can last through early winter.
Container ideas (in addition to annuals listed above):
👉 Tip: Use potting mix (not garden soil!) and make sure containers have drainage holes—fall rains can be heavy, and roots don’t like wet feet.
Fall planting sets your garden up for success - not just for next spring, but for years to come. You’re giving your plants time to settle in, establish strong roots, and face the challenges of our climate with a head start.
At Westwood, we’ve been planting in Northwest Arkansas soil for decades. We know what works here, and we’re happy to help you find what works in your garden.
Stop by the nursery this fall—we’d love to help you choose trees, shrubs, perennials, and more that will thrive in your space.
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