It's Already Time To Start Planning Your Spring Tree Planting

With winter fast approaching, it might be hard to conjure up a mental image of your yard in springtime. Well, now is actually a great time of year to start planning ahead for spring tree planting in 2026. In most cases, this temperate season is ideal for planting new trees. It gives them ample time to establish roots before the following winter. 

Making a plan now — when there's no rush to start planting or high demand for saplings — will help you avoid headaches down the line. For instance, knowing your growing zone is crucial. This determines which trees you can successfully grow in your area. Look yours up via the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. You'll want to assess your soil conditions, too, which you can do in fall or winter by running a DIY test of your soil's pH levels. It's also worth considering how sunny your yard gets, how much space you have to work with, and whether your baby tree would be competing with other plants for resources. All of these considerations will help you narrow down which type of trees you can grow in your yard in spring so they thrive on your property. Once spring rolls around early next year, you can head to your local nursery or garden center and shop for the perfect sapling.

Though there are some fast-growing tree varieties you can grow from seed, it's more common to transplant a sapling into your yard. Many nurseries sell container-grown, balled-and-burlapped trees. Bare-root trees can also be purchased though select catalogs. It's ultimately a matter of personal preference and local availability. (For the record: If you're an experienced gardener who's set on growing a tree from seed in the spring, the cooler seasons are also a good time of year to order seeds from your supplier of choice.) 

As for what type of tree you should grow? Again, it's dependent on your unique circumstances. Gardeners in Zones 4 through 9 will love eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), a popular flowering tree that's suitable for springtime planting. Make sure yours is planted somewhere sunny that offers shelter from damaging winds. Come fall, you'll get some gorgeous color-changing foliage. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is another stunning tree you can plant in the spring for vibrant colors throughout the seasons. This shade-tolerant species comes in various sizes and fares best in Zones 5 through 9. 

On the flip side, there are some trees you may want to avoid planting next spring because of their extensive, potentially destructive root systems. As lovely as oak (Quercus spp.) and other large shade trees look, their strong, moisture-seeking roots can cause structural damage when planted too close to homes. All of that to say, do your research before committing — and if you start now, you'll have  plenty of time to plan before spring rolls around.