Why Autumn is the perfect time to plant hedging and trees

For gardeners, autumn is often a season of tidying, preparation, and planning. It’s a time for clearing annuals that have gone over, raking up fallen leaves and thinking about how you’d like your garden to look for next year.

It is also the ideal time to plant hedging and trees. With temperatures still mild, the soil still warm from the summer, and regular rainfall, conditions are just right to encourage strong root development. Planting now will allow your hedges and trees to establish themselves over the winter, ready for new growth in spring.

In this blog we look at why autumn is such a good season for planting, what types of hedging and trees to consider and just some of the many benefits they bring to your garden. We’ll also share some practical tips to help ensure success with your planting.

Why Autumn is the best season for planting hedging

In practical terms, at Otter, we have a wider selection of bare root plants in stock from late autumn onwards, making it easier to source what you want.

Weather conditions help too. Cooler weather reduces the stress on young plants, while the likelihood of rainfall means you’ll need to water less.

In these conditions, hedges have the chance to put their energy into root growth and this means by the time spring arrives, they’re already established and ready to burst into life.

The benefits of hedging

Hedges do more than just define a boundary. They bring multiple benefits to a garden, including:

Privacy and shelter: a well-planted hedge creates a natural screen, shielding your garden from wind and noise as well as protecting your privacy.
Wildlife habitat: hedges are a good contributor to biodiversity, offering food and shelter for birds, pollinators and small mammals like hedgehogs.
Visual appeal: hedges add structure and beauty year-round, whether evergreen or deciduous, flowering or fruiting.
Environmental benefits: hedges trap carbon, filter pollution and can even help reduce flooding by absorbing excess rainwater.

What is bare root?

If you’re planting in autumn, the chances are you’ll come across the term ‘bare root’. This simply refers to plants that are supplied without soil around their roots, usually lifted directly from the field they were grown in.

Bare root plants are only available during the dormant season (autumn and winter) and are a popular way to establish new hedging. They are easy to transport and simpler to plant. Once they are planted, they establish strongly.

Examples of bare root hedging plants

Some good bare root options to consider this autumn include:

Laurel: a popular evergreen hedge, fast-growing and dense, providing year-round privacy.
Conifer hedging: ideal to provide a tall, quick-growing screen.
Ligustrum (privet): a traditional hedge plant with semi-evergreen foliage, which is often pruned into neat shapes.
Beech: a deciduous option, with coppery leaves that often stay on the plant through winter, giving prolonged cover.
Ilex (holly): evergreen, slow-growing and wildlife-friendly, with glossy leaves and winter berries.
Rosa rugosa and rosa rustica: hardy, thorny hedge roses that produce beautiful flowers followed by bright hips, perfect for wildlife and seasonal interest.

Why Autumn is ideal when you are planting trees

Autumn is equally important for trees. Just like hedges, trees benefit from cooler weather and increased rainfall before new growth begins in the spring.

The benefits of planting trees in your garden

Adding a tree, large or small, transforms a garden. There are multiple benefits, such as:

Structure and height: trees add vertical interest and break up flat landscapes.
Shade and shelter: deciduous trees provide shade in summer while letting light through in winter.
Wildlife benefits: trees offer nesting sites, food and shelter for many species of birds and mammals.
Environmental impact: trees absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality and contribute to soil health.
Visual appeal: trees offer different features to a garden each season, from spring blossom to autumn colour.

Varieties to plant in Autumn

There are many trees to choose from for planting in autumn, depending on the size of your garden and your design plans. Here are just a few examples:

Silver birch: a graceful tree with striking bark and delicate foliage.
Rowan: recognisable for its clusters of red berries much loved by birds.
Ornamental cherry: offering stunning spring blossom and autumn foliage.
Acer: different varieties provide compact, colourful trees perfect for smaller gardens.

Fruit trees offer an additional benefit for gardens

Autumn is certainly the perfect season for planting fruit trees. These will not only give you tasty produce to enjoy, but they provide the prettiest spring blossom. They’re also a superb draw for pollinators which help to keep your garden buzzing!

Apple trees are available in many varieties, from traditional cookers perfect for apple pies and crumbles to sweet eating apples.
Pear trees are elegant in shape with tasty fruit, delicious to eat straight from the tree.
Plum trees are relatively compact so good for smaller gardens and are often very productive giving tasty fruit for eating fresh or making jams and chutneys.
Cherry trees produce delightful blossom and juicy cherries – but be quick or the birds will eat them first!

Otter’s top tips for planting in Autumn

Follow these tips to give your hedging or trees the best start:

Prepare the ground by clearing weeds and digging in organic matter to enrich the soil.
Waterlogged soil can damage roots so you may need to improve drainage, with some grit.
Plant at the right depth and not too deep. A good guide is the soil mark on the stem.
Gently firm soil around roots and apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and protect young plants from frost.
Secure young trees to protect against autumn and winter winds using a tree stake and tie.
While autumn usually brings rain, keep an eye out for dry spells and water new plants as needed.

Planting hedging and trees now means you’re investing in your garden for years to come. With the right choices and a little preparation, your garden will emerge from winter in great condition for the spring and summer months.

We have a broad selection of hedging and trees to browse at all our garden centres. Our teams are on hand to provide advice on which varieties to consider for your particular garden, such as size, soil conditions and aspect.

Happy hedge and tree hunting!

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