Planting Fruit Trees in Fall in Zone 3B

Hello,

Im in zone 3B and the nursery close to me has a number of Apple and Pear trees at a huge discount. I often read that planting fruit trees in Fall is totally fine, but I want to double check that it works for cold climates like mine.
Thanks!

I think that's for folks in high numbered USDA zones. If you want to order root stocks or scions for grafting, or bare toot trees. you'd better order in the winter or there's not much of anything left.

John Indaburgh wrote:I think that's for folks in high numbered USDA zones. If you want to order root stocks or scions for grafting, or bare toot trees. you'd better order in the winter or there's not much of anything left.

Thanks for the reply! The nursery had a few 10+ foot Pear trees that I did pick up for a great deal. I just now need to figure out if I get the into the ground ASAP or place them in a garage under a tarp for the winter. Not quite sure how to manage it!

derek kal wrote:Hello, Im in zone 3B and the nursery close to me has a number of Apple and Pear trees at a huge discount. I often read that planting fruit trees in Fall is totally fine, but I want to double check that it works for cold climates like mine. Thanks!

I'm in zone 5, and prefer to plant in the fall (after trees go dormant) so long as the trees are reasonably well protected from critters during the winter. However, certainly things are only available in the spring so that's when I do most of my planting.

I have planted discount trees in fall. Almost all survived. The key is to water them in very thoroughly before the soil freezes.

Hi Derek,
I live on the border between zone 4a and 4b. A forester relative of mine said it was fine to plant trees as long as the ground wasn't frozen. We are not quite as cold as you are, but I would imagine the same thing would apply. I know a lot of people who plan in the fall to give them a headstart in the spring. It also allows them to acclimate to the new soil for a longer period of time.