If youโre already thinking ahead to fall plantingโgreat! Fall is hands-down one of the best times to get trees and shrubs in the ground. Cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall help new plants get established before winter, setting them up for a strong start in spring.
But hereโs the thing: if you wait until fall to start getting ready, youโre already behind.
At Cold Stream Farm, we work with property owners, conservation groups, and landscapers all over the country, and we can tell you that the folks who start prepping in the summer always have a smoother experience come planting time. So, if youโre planning to plant this fall, hereโs what you can do right nowโduring the summerโto make it easier and more successful later.
Walk Your Land and Plan
Grab a notebook, or better yet, your phoneโs camera, and take a walk around your property. Think about where you want trees or shrubsโdo you need privacy? Want to attract more wildlife? Hoping for wind protection or shade down the line?
Make note of:
- How much sun each area gets
- Whether water tends to collect or run off
- Whatโs already growing there (grass, weeds, nothing?)
Even a quick sketch or simple list can help you decide how many plants youโll need, and which species will thrive in each spot. Itโll also help when itโs time to place your orderโtrust us, it beats guessing.
Test Your Soil (Itโs Easier Than You Think)
It might sound like overkill, but a soil test can make a huge differenceโespecially if your trees or shrubs have struggled in the past. Testing tells you if your soil needs a boost before planting.
You can get a kit from your local garden center or send a sample to your stateโs extension office. Based on the results, you might need to add lime to adjust the pH, or compost to improve texture and nutrients. Doing this now, in summer, gives those amendments time to do their job before planting season rolls around.
Clear the Space Now, Not Later
Fall planting goes way faster when youโre not tangled in weeds or tripping over brambles. Use summer to:
- Cut back tall grass or brush
- Pull invasive plants
- Mow or lightly till the area if needed
This step is especially helpful if youโre planting a large area or working on a habitat restoration project. Clearing the space now also gives you a chance to watch for any erosion or drainage issues before you plant.
Think Ahead About Water
Fall weather is usually on your side, but young trees and shrubs still need a little helpโespecially right after planting. While itโs summer and dry, make sure you know where your nearest water source is and how youโll water your new plants if needed.
Whether itโs dragging a hose, setting up drip lines, or using rain barrels, having a plan in place now can save you a lot of scrambling later.
Get Your Order in Early
Hereโs a pro tip: donโt wait until September to place your order. Popular species sell out fast, especially wildlife-friendly shrubs and native trees.
At Cold Stream Farm, we start preparing for fall orders well in advance, and shipping is scheduled based on when orders come in. The sooner you order, the better chance you have of getting exactly what you need, shipped when you need it.
And rememberโwe ship to the lower 48 states and have no minimum order. Whether youโre planting 20 trees or 200, weโve got you covered.
Mark Your Spots
Once you know where things are going, it helps to mark your planting spots. You can use little flags, sticks, rocks, or anything else that stands out. This makes planting day go a lot fasterโespecially if youโre working with a team or covering a big area.
It also helps you keep proper spacing between plants, which is important for growth, airflow, and long-term health.
Watch for Summer Setbacks
One last thingโkeep an eye on your site throughout the rest of the summer. Thunderstorms, heavy winds, or aggressive weeds can undo some of your hard work. A quick check-in every few weeks lets you stay ahead of problems and make any small fixes before itโs go-time.
Start Now, Save Time Later
Prepping your land in the summer might feel like jumping the gun, but youโll be glad you did. Fall planting comes fast, and when it does, having your site cleared, soil improved, and layout ready to go makes the process smoother and a whole lot more enjoyable.
When you’re ready to place your order, Cold Stream Farm has everything you needโfrom native trees and shrubs to wildlife habitat bundles. We’ve been helping people just like you for over 40 years, and weโd be happy to help you figure out what works best for your land.
Contact Cold Stream Farm at (231) 464-5809 today or visit us online for more information!
