Where the snow has gone and the ground has let go of its frost, a bare patch of yard starts to look like a spot for a new tree. In Newfoundland and Labrador, a cool, damp climate shapes when that tree should go in, and which ones settle well.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Plant shade and ornamental trees in April and May, with September and October as a fallback. The months below follow the nearest comparable climate in upstate New York and New England, so confirm local timing with a garden centre, a garden society or the provincial gardening groups.
- In April, plant as soon as the frost is out of the ground and the soil can be worked, because the roots can start growing before the leaves demand water.
- Through May, container and balled-and-burlapped trees go in well, and they still do into late May or early June.
- In summer, hold off, since heat and dry soil stress new roots more than at any other time of year.
- In September and October, fall planting works if it is finished before the end of October, while the soil still holds some warmth for root growth.
- After fall planting, water the tree until the ground freezes so the roots go into winter with moisture.
Bare-root trees are planted while dormant, before the buds open. Container-grown trees can go in most of the year if watered, though they settle best in the dormant season. Magnolia, dogwood, tuliptree, sweet gum, red maple, birch, hawthorn, poplars, cherries, plums and many oaks do better planted in spring than in fall.
At St. John’s, the last spring frost falls on average around May 30, so half of all years bring frost later than that. The first fall frost arrives on average around October 17, and half of all years see it earlier. Northern and upland districts run weeks behind St. John’s. The reference city sits in Canadian hardiness zone 6a, a Canadian rating that does not convert to a USDA zone.
Newfoundland and Labrador — the year and the numbers
- State
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Hardiness zones
- 6a
- Last spring frost
- May 30
- First fall frost
- October 17
- Annual rain
- 60 in
- Lawn zone
- cool-season
- Source
- Environment and Climate Change Canada — Canadian Climate Normals 1981-2010, station ST JOHN'S A · St. John's
When to Plant Fruit Trees in Newfoundland and Labrador
Plant fruit trees in April and May, in early spring, as soon as the frost has left the ground. Bare-root trees go in during April or early May while still dormant. Fall planting is not an option here, because the winters are too cold for a newly planted fruit tree.
| Kind of fruit tree | When to plant in Newfoundland and Labrador | Why then |
|---|---|---|
| Bare-root | April to early May | The tree is still dormant and the buds have not opened |
| Container | April and May | The ground has thawed and roots can grow before summer heat |
Bare-root stock usually costs less than container trees and establishes well when planted on time. Pruning a young fruit tree belongs to late winter and early spring, covered on the page about when to prune fruit trees.
Best Trees to Plant in Newfoundland and Labrador
Choose by site, sun and hardiness. Birches and aspens like full sun, and maples dislike salt and compaction. Trees on the edge of hardiness need a spot sheltered from drying winds and ice damage.
| Tree | How it does in Newfoundland and Labrador | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Paper birch | Does well in full sun | Adapts to a variety of soils but is shade-intolerant |
| Aspen | Does well in full sun | Survives best with full sunlight |
| Red maple | Adapts to varied soils | Better planted in spring than fall |
| Sugar maple | Fine in a protected site | Dislikes salt, compaction and heat |
| Eastern redbud | Marginal, needs shelter | On the edge of hardiness, with brittle limbs that ice can break |
Redbud grows in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Magnolia, tuliptree, oak and ginkgo suit spring planting better than fall.
When to Plant, Water and Prune Trees in Newfoundland and Labrador
Planting, watering and pruning each have their own moment. Plant in spring once the soil is workable, water a young tree until the ground freezes, and prune fruit trees while they are dormant.
| Task | Best timing in Newfoundland and Labrador | Why then |
|---|---|---|
| Plant shade and ornamental trees | April and May, or September and October | Roots grow in workable soil, and fall planting must finish before the end of October |
| Plant fruit trees | April and May | Dormant trees go in as the frost leaves the ground |
| Water a young tree | Regularly, until the ground freezes | New roots need moisture before winter locks it up |
| Prune fruit trees | March and April | Late winter pruning least affects winter hardiness |
Prune before the buds swell, and skip fall or early winter, since new growth may not harden before the cold. Apples are pruned first, and peaches last, closest to bloom, because their flower buds are easily hurt by cold.
Where to Get Tree Advice in Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada has no county extension office, so local help comes from a few other places. For a question about species or soil, start with the provincial agriculture ministry, a garden centre or a garden society.
- The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture can point you to provincial guidance on trees and soil testing.
- A local garden centre or garden society can confirm which trees suit your district and when to plant.
Common Questions
Can You Plant a Tree in Winter in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Not while the ground is frozen, because the hole cannot be dug and roots cannot settle. Wait until the frost has left the soil and it can be worked.
Should You Stake a Newly Planted Tree?
Stake only if the tree needs support. Use a loose tie that lets the trunk flex, and take it off once the tree stands on its own.
Do You Need to Remove the Burlap from a Balled-And-Burlapped Tree?
Yes. Remove the burlap and wire from the top of the root ball before planting.