Planting a tree in New York is a spring job for most yards, when the ground has thawed and the buds are still tight. A fall planting can work too, if it happens early enough for the roots to settle.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees in New York?
Shade and ornamental trees go in best in April and May, and fall planting in September and October is the fallback. Here is how the year runs.
- In April, plant as soon as the frost is out of the ground and the soil can be worked, while trees are still dormant.
- Through May, container and balled-and-burlapped trees can still go in.
- In summer, hold off, because heat and dry soil stress new roots.
- In September and October, fall planting works for many trees, and the soil is still warm enough for roots to grow.
- Before the end of October, finish fall planting, then water the tree until the ground freezes.
Some trees do better in spring than in fall: magnolia, dogwood, tuliptree, sweet gum, red maple, birch, hawthorn, poplars, cherries, plums and many oaks. Frost timing varies a lot across the state. In New York City, the last spring frost falls between March 23 and April 3, and the first fall frost between November 14 and November 27. Upstate and the Adirondacks frost later in spring and earlier in fall. The USDA hardiness zone range runs from 3b to 7b, so check your own zone before choosing a tree.
New York — the year and the numbers
- State
- New York
- USDA zones
- 3b-7b
- Last spring frost
- March 23 to April 3
- First fall frost
- November 14 to November 27
- Annual rain
- 50 in
- Lawn zone
- cool-season
- Source
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, 32F freeze probabilities · New York City
When to Plant Fruit Trees in New York
Fruit trees go in during April and May, as soon as the frost has left the ground. Bare-root trees are planted while dormant, before the buds open, which usually means April or early May.
Fall is the wrong season for fruit trees here, because the winters are too cold for a newly planted one.
| Kind of fruit tree | When to plant in New York | Why then |
|---|---|---|
| Bare-root | April to early May | The tree is dormant and the buds have not opened |
| Container-grown | April and May | The soil is workable and the roots have a full season to settle |
Container-grown trees can be planted much of the year if they are watered, but they settle best in the dormant season. Bare-root stock is usually less expensive than a potted tree and grows well when planted on time.
Best Trees to Plant in New York
Trees that match the site do best, and New York’s range of zones means the choice depends on where you live. Paper birch and aspen want full sun, while red maple adapts to a variety of soils. Eastern redbud likes well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.
| Tree | How it does in New York | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Paper birch | Does well in full sun | It is shade-intolerant and adapted to a variety of soils |
| Aspen | Does well in full sun | It is shade-intolerant and survives best with full sunlight |
| Red maple | Adapts to many sites | It tolerates a variety of soils |
| Eastern redbud | Good in average, well-drained soil | It likes full sun to part shade and needs shelter from drying winds and ice |
| Sugar maple | Struggles on tough sites | It dislikes salt, compaction and heat |
Magnolia, tuliptree, oak and ginkgo are better planted in spring. Sugar maple is a poor pick for a street strip with salt and packed soil.
When to Plant, Water and Prune Trees in New York
Planting, watering and pruning each have their own moment in the year. A tree planted in fall is watered until the ground freezes, and fruit trees are pruned while dormant, before the buds swell.
| Task | Best timing in New York | Why then |
|---|---|---|
| Plant shade and ornamental trees | April and May, or September and October | Roots grow in workable soil, away from summer heat |
| Water a young tree | In fall until the ground freezes | New roots have not spread yet and dry soil stresses them |
| Prune fruit trees | March and April, late winter into early spring | The tree is dormant and winter hardiness is least affected |
Apples are pruned first and peaches last, closest to bloom, because peach flower buds are easily hurt by cold. Avoid pruning in fall or early winter, since new growth may not harden before the cold. A fuller guide is on the page for pruning fruit trees in New York.
Where to Get Tree Advice in New York
For a tree choice that fits your yard, or a soil test before planting, local experts know the ground better than any general rule.
- Cornell Cooperative Extension offers tree selection advice and planting guidance, so ask before you buy.
- Your county extension office can give local advice before spring planting.
Common Questions
Can You Plant a Tree in Summer in New York?
You can, if the tree is container-grown and gets steady water, but it is the hardest season. Heat and dry soil stress new roots, so spring or early fall treats the tree better.
Do Bare-Root Trees Need Special Handling?
They need to go into the ground while still dormant, before the buds open, so keep the roots moist and plant soon after they arrive.
Will a Redbud Survive New York Winters?
It can, but it sits near the edge of its hardiness in cold areas. Plant it where drying winds are blocked and ice is less likely to break its brittle limbs.