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Fall is a good time to plant trees and shrubs.
Naturally, it depends on what you’re planting and the condition of the tree or shrub you choose. As long as the soil is moist or you add water, your plant will get off to a fast start next spring. When watering newly planted trees and shrubs, ensure a deep, slow watering to provide water throughout the root zone.
Bare-root plants are generally best planted in early spring while dormant, as soon as the soil can be worked and before new growth begins. This gives the roots of the plants enough time to establish themselves in their new surroundings.
Balled and burlapped broadleaf evergreens, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, can be planted in spring and fall. However, fall-planted evergreens may be more susceptible to winter injury if they do not receive adequate water before the ground freezes.
For fall planting, balled and burlapped deciduous trees and shrubs are a good choice when properly handled and planted. These plants are dug up with soil around the roots. The ball of soil is wrapped in burlap and tied with cord. As deciduous trees and shrubs lose their leaves and enter dormancy in the fall, their water demands decrease, reducing transplant stress during the winter.
The burlap keeps the roots covered with soil, so they don’t dry out. When you plant these, remove the cording and cut back most of the burlap without affecting the root ball structure. B&B deciduous trees and shrubs can be planted in spring, summer or fall when soil conditions are suitable. For fall planting, plant early enough to allow the roots to become established before the ground freezes.
Others such as B&B narrow leaved (needle) evergreens such as pines, spruce and hemlock, can be planted in spring and fall. When planting in fall, allow enough time for the roots to become established before the ground freezes.
Plant your tree/shrub in well-drained soil. If the area is not well drained and has a high percentage of clay in the soil, consider amending the soil now or making a raised area. This will help prepare the area for planting next year. Don't waste your time planting if the soil conditions are not ready.
Dig the hole at least 1 foot wider all around than the root ball or container is wide. The hole should be approximately the same depth as the height of the root ball. Do not plant any landscape plant deeper than it was planted in its previous location. Soil for backfilling should be the same soil that came out of the hole.
Do not add any dry fertilizers or fresh manure to the backfill mix. These may cause root burn. Fill the hole 3/4 full with backfill. Then water to the top of the hole. This settles the soil and eliminates air pockets. Then, backfill until the soil reaches the top of the hole. Avoid fertilizing new trees and shrubs this late in the season.
Other things you need to consider when planting are pruning, staking and trunk wrapping. For more of those details, a video on planting and a list of plants that should be avoided until spring, go to: http://go.osu.edu/fallplanting.