When Should You Plant Saplings

The best time to plant is while the seedling is dormant. In warmer zones, you can plant almost all year, except summer—heat will stress and dry out the seedlings. In cooler zones, seedlings should be planted in late winter or early spring, once the ground has thawed.

What is the best season to plant a sapling?

Early spring, just as the ground thaws, is the best time plant. Fall can be too late, because trees won’t be able to survive the freezing temperatures that can damage roots and stop moisture from reaching the tree.

Can you plant saplings in winter?

The young saplings are susceptible to their roots drying out in the cold and not being able to withstand the wind/ice/snow. It is best to plant trees when they are dormant (because you aren’t as likely to disrupt their growth), so you need to consider if the tree is deciduous or evergreen.