If you’re thinking about adding wildlife trees and shrubs to your property, choosing the right season to plant is just as important as choosing the right species. At Cold Stream Farm, our customers often ask whether spring or fall is the better season to plant. The truth? Both have distinct advantages—depending on your goals, region, and timing.
Let’s look at how spring and autumn compare when it comes to planting bare root trees and wholesale shrubs, and how each season can help you get the most out of your investment in native plants.
Why Spring is a Classic Choice for Planting
Spring is synonymous with growth—and for good reason. After a long winter, trees and shrubs enter a season of intense energy and development. At Cold Stream Farm nursery, many customers choose spring planting to take full advantage of this natural momentum.
Key Benefits of Spring Planting:
- A Full Growing Season Ahead
When you plant in early spring, your bare root trees have the entire warm season to establish roots, develop foliage, and acclimate to their new environment. Species like Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and White Pine (Pinus strobus) benefit greatly from a long stretch of warm weather and sunlight. - Ideal for Moisture-Loving Plants
As snow melts and spring rains begin, the ground stays moist—making it easier for newly planted wholesale shrubs like Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) or Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) to thrive. - Great for Wildlife Support
Early Spring is also the best time to plant wildlife shrubs that support birds, bees, and butterflies. Plants like Serviceberry (Amelanchier) provide food and habitat right when native fauna starts becoming active.
A Few Considerations
While spring planting offers many benefits, be prepared to stay on top of watering, especially as summer approaches. Newly planted trees will need consistent moisture and mulch to survive warmer temperatures.
Why Autumn is an Underrated Planting Powerhouse
Although it’s not always the first season people think of for planting, autumn is one of the most efficient times to put bare root trees and wildlife shrubs in the ground—especially in the Midwest.
Advantages of Fall Planting:
- Strong Root Growth in Cooler Conditions
In fall, soil remains warm even as air temperatures cool. This encourages robust root development without triggering excessive top growth. Plants like Hazelnut (Corylus americana) and Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) are especially well-suited for fall installation. - Less Watering Stress
Shorter days and cooler air temperatures reduce evaporation, meaning you won’t need to water as often. This makes fall planting more manageable and less labor-intensive. - Natural Hardening for Winter
Plants installed in fall begin acclimating to the cold, making them more resilient when spring arrives. This is a strategic time to plant deciduous trees like Basswood (Tilia americana) and Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor).
What to Watch For
It’s important to plant early enough in the fall to give your trees and shrubs time to establish roots before the first hard frost. In most parts of the Midwest, this means finishing your planting by mid-October.
Tree and Shrub Options from Cold Stream Farm
No matter which season you choose, Cold Stream Farm offers a wide range of hardy, native wildlife trees and shrubs at wholesale prices. Here are just a few customer favorites that perform well in either season:
- For Pollinators and Birds:
- Buttonbush – Ideal for wetland areas
- Elderberry – Supports a wide variety of bird species
- Gray Dogwood – Excellent for naturalizing borders
- For Privacy and Screens:
- American Arborvitae – Fast-growing and evergreen
- Eastern Red Cedar – Adaptable and dense
- For Color and Curb Appeal:
- Red Osier Dogwood – Brilliant red stems in winter
- Ninebark – Unique texture and multi-season interest
We offer no minimum order and volume discounts for larger purchases, making it easy for both homeowners and habitat restoration professionals to stock up on quality bare root trees and wholesale shrubs.
Placing Your Order
Field inventory at Cold Stream Farm is based on estimates, and availability may vary when your order is packed. Any unavailable items will be refunded in full. Orders can be placed anytime through our website. Please review our shipping information before ordering—especially since shipping may be scheduled up to three weeks after confirmation once harvesting begins.
We ship to the lower 48 contiguous U.S. states only, and previously confirmed orders receive shipping priority.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Season That Suits Your Goals
When it comes to planting wildlife trees and shrubs, the best time to start is the time that works for your needs. Spring gives you a head start on growth and flexibility with a wide range of plant types. Fall offers stress-free planting and root-first development.
Either way, Cold Stream Farm nursery in Michigan is here to provide you with top-quality bare root trees and wholesale shrubs to help your landscape thrive—whether for conservation, beauty, or wildlife support.
Contact Cold Stream Farm at (231) 464-5809 today or visit us online for more information!
