Plan Now for Beautiful Fall Trees and Shrubs

While your summer garden is in full bloom, July is the perfect time to start planning your next landscape project. Taking time now to evaluate your yard, prepare planting areas, and choose the right trees and shrubs will make fall planting easier and help you enjoy the best selection when the season arrives.

A little planning today can lead to a healthier, more beautiful landscape for years to come.

Walk Your Landscape

Mid-summer is one of the easiest times to spot areas that could use improvement.

Ask yourself:

• Does your yard need more shade?
• Would flowering shrubs add more seasonal color?
• Is it time to replace overgrown or aging plants?
• Could evergreens provide year-round privacy?
• Would native trees attract more birds and pollinators?

Making notes now helps you create a thoughtful landscape plan before planting season begins.

Prepare Your Garden Beds

You don’t have to wait until fall to get your planting areas ready.

This is a great time to:

• Remove weeds
• Edge planting beds
• Add compost to improve soil
• Refresh mulch
• Correct drainage issues

Preparing beds now makes planting much easier later in the season.

Keep Existing Trees and Shrubs Healthy

While planning new additions, don’t forget about the plants already growing in your landscape.

Continue to:

• Water deeply during dry periods
• Inspect for insect damage
• Remove dead or damaged branches
• Maintain a healthy layer of mulch

Healthy plants provide the foundation for a beautiful landscape.

Why Fall Is Worth Planning For

Although spring is often the busiest planting season, many trees and shrubs establish exceptionally well when planted in early fall.

Cooler temperatures and warm soil allow roots to continue developing while reducing stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.

Planning now ensures you’ll be ready when the ideal planting window arrives.

Think About Native Plants

Native trees and shrubs offer many long-term benefits.

They often:

• Support local birds and pollinators
• Adapt well to southeastern Massachusetts
• Require less maintenance once established
• Add year-round beauty to the landscape

Including native plants creates a healthier, more resilient garden.

Shop Early for the Best Selection

Many popular trees and shrubs sell quickly once fall planting season begins.

Planning ahead allows you to research varieties, ask questions, and choose plants that fit your landscape before the busiest part of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is July too early to think about fall planting?

Not at all. July is an excellent time to evaluate your landscape, prepare planting beds, and decide which trees and shrubs you’d like to add later in the season.

Should I prepare planting beds now?

Yes. Removing weeds, improving soil, and refreshing mulch now makes planting much easier when cooler weather arrives.

Why is fall a good time to plant?

Warm soil and cooler temperatures allow roots to establish while reducing stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.

Should I continue watering established trees?

Absolutely. Trees and shrubs benefit from deep watering during extended dry periods throughout the summer.

Are native trees and shrubs a good choice?

Yes. Native plants are well adapted to local growing conditions and provide valuable food and habitat for birds and pollinators.

Visit Us

Whether you’re planning a landscape update, selecting flowering shrubs, choosing shade trees, or looking for expert gardening advice, Crystal Lake Garden Shop is here to help.

Crystal Lake Garden Shop – Plymouth
252 Summer Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 746-4439

Crystal Lake Garden Shop – Carver
19 West Street
Carver, MA 02330
Phone: (508) 866-2873

Hours
Open 7 Days • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Visit either of our locations and let our knowledgeable team help you choose the perfect trees, shrubs, and native plants to create a landscape you’ll enjoy for years to come.