Is It Better to Plant Fruit Trees in Fall or Spring? Here's What Experts Say

Deciding when to plant a fruit tree depends on several factors. The ideal planting time for bare-root trees is different from the planting time for container-grown trees. The type of fruit tree, as well as your climate and the size of the tree, also play a role.

We asked experts whether it's better to plant fruit trees in the spring or fall, and here are the key things they say you should consider to choose the best time.

Bare-Root vs. Container-Grown Trees

Fruit trees are commonly available in one of two ways: bare-root or container-grown. “The choice between bare-root and container-grown trees has a direct impact on timing the planting,” says Michael Polozola, an assistant professor and extension fruit and nut specialist at Louisiana State University.

When to Plant Bare-Root Trees

“Bare-root trees are typically available only in late winter and early spring, and they need to be planted while still dormant to avoid transplant shock. That makes early spring the natural window for bare-root planting,” Polozola explains.

In most cases, the earlier a tree is planted, the better. As temperatures rise, bare-root trees planted later in spring tend to break bud earlier, struggling at first because roots haven’t had the opportunity to regenerate.

“I would avoid planting bare-root too far out into spring,” says Suzanne Slack, an assistant professor of horticulture at Iowa State University. “Most bare-root trees were harvested in early spring and will be stressed out if planted too far past late May.”

Although less commonly available in the fall, bare-root stock occasionally ships late in the season, after trees go dormant. This is not an issue in the South, but in the North, severe cold winter temperatures pose a risk for some seedlings.

When to Plant Container-Grown Trees

Container-grown trees can be planted any time the ground isn’t frozen, but often perform best in the South when planted in the fall, Polozola says. “Because they’re already rooted in soil, they begin establishing new roots before dormancy sets in, which helps reduce transplant stress and gives them a head start for the next growing season,” he explains. The shorter days and cooler temperatures reduce stress from transplanting. Plus, rainfall is often more abundant at that time. 

Slack suggests keeping an eye on the average first frost date. “For fall, it is best to plant potted trees well before the frost date,” she says. Another caveat is fertilization. “Do not apply fertilizer to fall-planted trees. Fall fertilizer in cold climates likely causes winter damage in fruit trees due to the trees not hardening off in time for freezing temperatures,” Slack points out.

“All major fruit tree species tend to do better with spring planting,” Slack says. But it’s important to work around frost warnings. “Potted trees, if dormant, are fine once the soil thaws,” she adds. “If the potted trees have already come out of dormancy, wait until after the last frost date to plant them.”

Other Planting Time Considerations

Whether you're planting a bare-root or containerized fruit tree, there are a few other factors that can influence your best planting window.

Climate

Climate and regionality play a major role in determining the best time to plant fruit trees,” Polozola says. “While general guidelines exist, like planting in fall or early spring, local conditions often shift those windows. Soil temperature, rainfall patterns, and freeze risk all influence timing. Even within a state like Louisiana, planting dates may vary depending on whether you're in the northern or southern part. It's important to match planting time to your local climate rather than relying solely on calendar dates.”

Size

"Very large specimens often struggle to acclimate and may require heavy pruning or intensive care to survive. On the other hand, very small trees may not be ready for planting and are easily overwhelmed by weed competition or environmental stress,” Polozola says. “Choosing a medium-sized, healthy tree with good root structure is usually the safest bet for successful establishment.”

Species

“Some fruit tree species and cultivars are more forgiving than others when it comes to planting season,” Polozola says. “Vigorous varieties tend to handle seasonal variation better, but vigor can vary widely within a species. For example, certain cultivars of fig may establish more easily than others due to their growth habits.”

In the North, “apples, European pears, tart cherries, and American plums are the most forgiving,” says Slack. “Peaches, Asian pears, and sweet cherries are very susceptible to cold damage and are less forgiving.”

Tropical Fruit Trees

“For tropical fruit trees, spring planting is strongly recommended because it gives the tree a full growing season to get established before facing any cold stress," Polozola says. “Even in warm climates, tropical species like mango, papaya, or guava are sensitive to root disturbance and need stable soil temperatures and consistent moisture to thrive.

Fall planting is generally discouraged for tropicals, especially in areas that experience even light frost. These trees often lack the hardiness to recover from cold damage if their roots haven’t fully settled.

Watering Newly Planted Fruit Trees

Regardless of timing, newly planted fruit trees need to be watered diligently. With a fall planting, water well during establishment, then taper off as the tree enters dormancy. According to Polozola, that early root development can reduce watering needs in spring.

“For a spring planting, especially if done while the tree is still dormant, start with light watering and gradually increase frequency and volume as temperatures rise and the tree begins active growth,” he advises.