Abeautiful lawn is about more than a stretch of green grass. While turf provides an attractive foundation for a landscape, trees and shrubs add structure, color, shade, and natural beauty that can transform an ordinary yard into a welcoming outdoor space. They also provide environmental benefits and can make a landscape more functional.
If you are considering adding trees or shrubs to your property, fall is one of the best times to get started. Cooler temperatures and favorable soil conditions allow plants to focus on establishing their roots before the heat of summer arrives.
Trees and Shrubs Add Beauty and Structure
Trees and shrubs can add visual interest to a lawn that turfgrass alone cannot provide. Trees add height and create focal points, while shrubs add layers of texture, color, and form. Flowering shrubs can bring seasonal color, while evergreen varieties provide structure and greenery throughout the year.
Plants can also help define different areas of a property. A row of shrubs can create a natural border along a walkway or property line, while a strategically placed tree can frame a patio or provide a focal point. Instead of looking like one large expanse of grass, the landscape becomes a series of connected spaces with purpose and character.
They Provide Shade and Comfort
As trees mature, they can provide valuable shade for people and outdoor living areas. A well-placed shade tree can make a patio, deck, or sitting area more comfortable during hot weather.
Trees can also create shaded areas where homeowners can grow plants that thrive with less direct sunlight. Ferns, hostas, and tiarella, for example, can add texture and interest to areas where turfgrass may struggle.
Trees and Shrubs Support Wildlife and the Environment
Adding a variety of trees and shrubs can make a yard more welcoming to birds, pollinators, and other beneficial wildlife. Different plants provide food and shelter, helping create a more diverse landscape. Trees and shrubs also offer environmental benefits. Their roots help hold soil in place, while vegetation can slow rainfall and reduce runoff. Fallen leaves and other organic material return nutrients to the soil.
By incorporating a greater variety of plants into the landscape, homeowners can create a yard that is both attractive and beneficial to the environment.
They Can Reduce Lawn Maintenance
Not every part of a property needs to be covered with grass. Converting selected areas of lawn into planting beds can reduce the amount of space that needs to be mowed and maintained.
This can be particularly useful in areas that are difficult to mow, such as narrow strips, slopes, or spaces around trees. Choosing plants that are well suited to the location can create attractive planting areas that require less routine maintenance than turf.
The key is choosing the right plant for the right place. Consider sunlight, soil, moisture, mature plant size, and maintenance needs before planting.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant
Fall offers several advantages for planting trees and shrubs. Cooler air temperatures place less stress on newly planted plants, while the soil can remain warm enough to encourage root growth. With less energy required for vigorous top growth, plants can devote more resources to establishing their root systems.
Fall can also provide more favorable moisture conditions than the heat of summer. Newly planted trees and shrubs still need regular watering, but they generally do not have to contend with the same combination of high temperatures and rapid moisture loss that can make summer planting more challenging.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is the head start fall planting provides. A tree or shrub planted in fall has time to establish roots before the following summer. When spring arrives, the plant is already becoming established in its new environment and can put its energy toward healthy growth.
How to Make Fall Planting Successful
Choosing the right planting site and preparing the plant properly are just as important as choosing the right season. Select healthy trees and shrubs suited to your soil, climate, and available space. Pay attention to the plant's mature size and sunlight requirements.
Choosing the right plants for your needs and property conditions can feel overwhelming. For Memphis residents, the Memphis Botanic Garden’s Fall Plant Sale, taking place October 1-3, 2026, is a great resource. With expert horticulturists and a plant selection tailored to the Mid-South, the sale offers a convenient opportunity to find plants suited to the local climate and learn how to care for them.
When planting, avoid placing trees or shrubs too deeply. The root flare of a tree should remain visible above the soil. After planting, water thoroughly and continue watering as needed while the roots become established.
A layer of mulch around the root zone can help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk or stems to avoid problems such as rot.
Plant for the Future
Trees and shrubs are an investment in the future of your landscape. They add beauty and structure, provide shade, support wildlife, and can help reduce the amount of lawn that requires regular maintenance.
Fall is an especially good opportunity to make that investment. By planting while temperatures are cooler and giving new plants time to establish their roots, you can help set them up for a stronger start. With thoughtful plant selection and proper care, the trees and shrubs you plant this fall can become some of the most valuable and enjoyable features of your landscape for years to come./columnize]
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