A sapling set into cool, damp ground in April or October has time to put out roots before the stress of summer heat or winter cold arrives. That timing is the whole story of tree planting in Missouri. Shade trees, ornamentals and fruit trees each have their own best weeks, and the choice of species matters almost as much as the date.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees in Missouri?
Shade and ornamental trees go in best in April and October, with May and September as fallbacks, whether they come in a container or balled and burlapped.
- In late winter, while the tree is dormant, bare-root stock can go in as soon as the soil can be worked, before the buds open.
- In April, planting shade and ornamental trees gives roots a full season in soil that is cool and moist. The last spring frost comes in mid-spring, and the downtown station runs a few days earlier.
- In May, planting is still fine, though new trees need regular watering as the weather warms.
- In summer, hold off. Heat and dry soil stress new roots, and summer is the hardest time to plant a tree.
- In September, the soil is still warm enough for roots to grow, which is why early fall works as a fallback to October.
- In October, trees settle in before winter. The first fall frost arrives in autumn, and a tree planted in fall is watered until the ground freezes.
Container-grown trees can go in most of the year if you water them, but they settle best in the dormant season. Missouri spans hardiness zones 5b to 7b on the USDA system, so the north and the Bootheel differ, and southern Missouri is milder than the northern part of the state. A few trees do better in spring than fall: magnolia, dogwood, tuliptree, sweet gum, red maple, birch, hawthorn, poplars, cherries, plums and many oaks.
Missouri — the year and the numbers
- State
- Missouri
- USDA zones
- 5b-7b
- Last spring frost
- April 6 to April 20
- First fall frost
- October 18 to October 29
- Annual rain
- 39 in
- Lawn zone
- transition-season
- Source
- NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals, 32F freeze probabilities · Kansas City
When to Plant Fruit Trees in Missouri
Fruit trees go in during March and April, in late winter or early spring. Bare-root trees must be planted while still dormant, before the buds open, so the moment the soil is workable is your signal.
Container-grown fruit trees are more forgiving, since their roots are already in a ball of soil. They still settle best when planted in the same early window.
| Kind of fruit tree | When to plant in Missouri | Why then |
|---|---|---|
| Bare-root | March to April, while dormant | Roots establish before buds open and leaves demand water |
| Container | March to April | Cool soil lets roots spread before summer heat |
Peaches are the touchiest of the group. Choose bud-hardy cultivars and protect the bloom from late spring frosts, since an April cold snap can take the flowers. Pawpaw is hardy from USDA zone 5A to zone 9, which covers every part of Missouri.
Best Trees to Plant in Missouri
Missouri has cold winters in the north, hot summers statewide and soils that range from heavy clay to well-drained loam. Tough, adaptable species with a record in similar Midwest conditions are the safest bets.
| Tree | How it does in Missouri | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Burr oak, swamp white oak, chinkapin oak, shingle oak | Long-lived and adaptable | These species are tough and handle a range of conditions |
| Redbud | Does best in moist, well-drained soil | A northern seed source is more likely to be cold hardy |
| Common hackberry | Fast grower, tolerates many soils | Leaf galls are common and limbs can suffer in wind and ice |
| Freeman maple | Faster and stronger than silver maple | Prefers well-drained, slightly acid soil but tolerates variety |
| Sugar maple | Tolerates shade when young | Suits a spot with partial shade |
Slow-to-establish trees such as bald cypress, ginkgo, magnolia, hemlock, sweet gum, tulip tree and willow are best planted in spring. Measure the space, note the sun, and match the tree to your zone before buying.
When to Plant, Water and Prune Trees in Missouri
The yearly rhythm is simple. Plant in the cool shoulder seasons, water new trees until they are rooted, and prune fruit trees while they sleep.
| Task | Best timing in Missouri | Why then |
|---|---|---|
| Plant shade and ornamental trees | April or October | Roots grow in mild soil, away from summer heat and hard freezes |
| Plant fruit trees | March to April | Bare-root trees must still be dormant |
| Water a young tree | Regularly after planting, and in fall until the ground freezes | New roots dry out quickly, and the tree needs moisture before winter |
| Prune fruit trees | February to March, while dormant | Wounds heal fast before buds swell and pests return |
Apples and pears go first, cherries follow in mid-March, and peaches come last because their flower buds are easily hurt by cold. Avoid pruning fruit trees in fall or early winter, as new growth may not harden before the cold. Oaks are left alone from March through October to limit the spread of oak wilt. Details on fruit tree pruning are on the Missouri page for when to prune fruit trees.
Where to Get Tree Advice in Missouri
University of Missouri Extension and your county extension office can help with choosing a species and testing your soil.
- Extension publications cover species choice, planting depth and care, and are worth a read before you buy a tree.
- A county office can guide you through a soil test, so call ahead of the April or October planting window.
Common Questions
Can You Plant a Tree in Summer in Missouri?
You can, if the tree is in a container and you water it faithfully, but it is a struggle. Heat and dry soil stress young roots, so cooler months give far better results.
Should You Remove the Burlap from a Balled Tree?
Yes. Set the tree in the hole, then cut away the wire basket and peel back as much burlap as you can so roots can spread. Keep the root flare at or just above the soil line, and keep mulch back from the trunk.
Is Fall or Spring Better for a New Oak?
Many oaks do better planted in spring. Choose a tough species such as burr oak or swamp white oak, and plant in April while the soil is cool and workable.