Hello, fellow tree lovers! I’ve been gardening for years, and one thing people often ask me is when the best time is to plant trees in the UK. Let me break it down for you with all the juicy details I’ve gleaned from personal experience and professional sources.
The Perfect Season: When Should You Plant?
The short answer? Autumn is your best friend for tree planting in the UK. But let’s dig deeper into why and when exactly you should get your hands dirty.
Autumn Planting (October-November)
- Why it’s awesome:
- Soil’s still warm from summer
- Natural rainfall helps with moisture
- Trees can focus on root development
- Less watering needed
- Higher survival rate
- Ground’s easier to work with
Spring Planting (March-April)
- Second-best option:
- Okay for container-grown trees
- Works when autumn planting isn’t possible
- But watch out for:
- Summer heat stress
- More watering needed
- Lower success rate
Summer Planting (June-August)
- Best avoided because:
- Hot and dry conditions
- High stress on new trees
- Poor root development
- Hard, dry soil
- Lowest success rate
Pro Tips for Successful Tree Planting
Before You Plant
-
Check your timing:
- Tree planting season: November to March
- Extend slightly in Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Avoid frozen or waterlogged soil
-
Space planning:
- Trees need about 2 meters apart
- For hedges: 30cm apart
- Double row hedges: 50cm between rows
Planting Methods
We’ve got three main methods that work great in the UK
1. Pit Planting
- Best for:
- All ground types
- Drought-prone areas
- Most thorough method
2. Slit Planting
- Perfect for:
- Bare soil
- Grassy areas
- Stony soil
3. T-notch Planting
- Ideal for:
- Grass-covered ground
- Quick planting
- Not suitable for clay soils
Aftercare Tips (Don’t Skip This!)
First Few Weeks
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Add mulch around base (but not touching trunk!)
- Install tree guards if needed
Long-term Care
- Regular watering in dry spells
- Check tree ties twice yearly
- Remove stakes after 2 growing seasons
- Keep area weed-free (1.2m diameter)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too deep (biggest rookie error!)
- Forgetting to water in dry spells
- Not preparing the soil properly
- Ignoring local wildlife protection
Our Top Tree Planting Success Formula
Here’s what we’ve found works best
- Timing: Plant in autumn for best results
- Preparation: Get your soil ready
- Planting depth: Keep root flare at soil level
- Aftercare: Regular monitoring and maintenance
Real Talk: When to Break the Rules
Being flexible is important sometimes. Technically, trees grown in pots can be planted at any time, but trust me, fall or early spring are the best times for your trees.
Final Thoughts
Look, planting trees ain’t rocket science, but timing can make or break your success. If you’re gonna remember anything from this article, make it this: Autumn planting (October-November) is your best bet in the UK. Get that right, and you’re already halfway to success!
P.S. Got questions about tree planting? Drop ’em in the comments below – I love chatting about this stuff and helping fellow tree enthusiasts out!
Remember: Every tree you plant is a gift to future generations, so let’s do it right! Happy planting, folks!
[Last updated: July 2025]
When your trees arrive
Store the trees upright, sheltered from frost and wind. If the roots look like they’re drying out, lightly spray them with water to keep them moist.
- Before you plant, use stones, spray paint, or canes to mark the spot where each tree will go.
- If the grass is too long in your planting area, cut it short and pull out the weeds. This will make planting easier and cut down on competition for water, which will help your saplings grow.
When to plant your trees
We always recommend planting trees when they’re dormant and so less likely to get damaged. The time to plant trees is from November to March, though in Scotland and Northern Ireland it can last a little longer.
We sell single trees and small tree packs on our shop all year round as they have their own plug of compost to protect them and can therefore be planted at any time.
We don’t recommend planting a larger number of trees out of season though as it can lead to a higher loss rate, so our large scale planting projects are only available during tree planting season.
When is the Best Time to Plant Shrubs and Trees?
FAQ
When is the best time to plant trees in the UK?
While this may make it seem difficult to plant trees at the best time, there are some prime conditions for tree growth throughout the year that you can take advantage of: The best time to plant trees in the UK is autumn, which usually takes place between September and November.
When should I plant trees & shrubs?
Autumn is the optimum time of year for planting. Plants are dormant, and weather and soil conditions are at their best to give your trees or shrubs the time they need to establish without stressing out.
When is the best time to plant a tree?
Fall is a great time to plant things like: Planting whips, which are straight, bare-root tree saplings that are one to two years old Often used for hedges and copses. Plant in November. Planting standards – mature trees with straight stems and well-defined crowns. Requires staking. Optimum time is October-December.
When is the best time to plant trees in Europe?
In general, the planting season in Europe is divided into two main periods: spring and autumn. Spring has the right amount of warmth and moisture to help roots grow, and planting in the fall gives trees time to set up root systems before winter dormancy sets in. However, the specific timing may vary based on regional climate conditions.
Is September a good time to plant trees?
OK, since you strongarmed us, it’s September. We believe it has a good mix of the most important things that will help trees and shrubs grow well. Sometimes it can still be quite warm and summery at the start of September, so just keep an eye on the weather conditions. Why isn’t Summer the Best Time of Year to Plant?.
Should you plant a tree in late spring?
Planting in late spring is very risky. Whatever is planted will come out of dormancy sooner because summer is just around the corner. It’s certainly better than planting in the summer, but not the optimum to give your trees and shrubs the best start to life in your garden. There’s so much you can do in the autumn.