Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant Trees, Shrubs & Perennials in Toronto

selectcontracting
Jul 31, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Many homeowners see fall as the end of the growing season—but in reality, it's one of the smartest times to plant. In the Toronto climate, the period between late August and early November offers ideal conditions for root development, lower transplant stress, and long-term success.

At Select Landscaping & Construction, we recommend fall planting to clients who want stronger, more established landscapes by spring. Here’s why this often-overlooked season is the best time to get new plants in the ground.

Warm Soil, Cool Air: The Perfect Combination

Plant growth above ground might slow down in fall, but below the surface, roots are just getting started. After a long summer, soil remains warm well into October—even as air temperatures cool.

This warm soil encourages robust root development without forcing plants to divert energy toward leaf or flower production. In other words, your plants are quietly digging in and getting stronger, even if they don’t look like it.

According to the University of Guelph, root systems of many deciduous trees continue developing until soil temperatures drop below 4°C (39°F)—well into late fall in Southern Ontario.

Summer planting often means heat stress, sunscald, and constant watering. In contrast, fall brings:

Cooler temperatures that reduce moisture loss through leaves
Lower sun intensity that prevents wilting and burn
Consistent rainfall that reduces your need to irrigate

The result? Plants experience far less transplant shock, making fall the ideal time for stress-sensitive species like boxwoods, Japanese maples, and new evergreen installations.

Fewer Pests, Fewer Problems

Spring and summer come with aphids, mites, fungal diseases, and leaf-eating caterpillars. But as the weather cools in fall, pest pressure drops off, giving new plantings a calmer window to settle in without damage or disease risk.

What to Plant in Fall: Our Toronto Picks

Fall isn’t for every type of plant—but it’s perfect for many. We recommend:

Trees: Serviceberry, red maple, ginkgo, birch, oak, linden
Shrubs: Boxwood, hydrangea, ninebark, yew, spirea, viburnum
Perennials: Coneflower, black-eyed Susan, hosta, sedum, ornamental grasses
Evergreens: Globe cedar, upright juniper, hicks yew, holly

Avoid tropicals or warm-weather annuals like impatiens and begonias, which won’t establish in time.

Pro Tip: Mulching your new plantings after installation helps insulate roots, retain moisture, and buffer against early frosts.

In Southern Ontario, we aim to finish planting by late October or early November, depending on frost forecasts. Evergreens need to go in slightly earlier (by mid-October) to allow root anchoring before the ground cools significantly.

As a rule of thumb: