With summer over and a chill in the air, fall is the time to put down the garden shovels and hang up your gloves, right? Not so fast. It’s actually one of the best times to plant in South Jersey! The soil is still warm, storms tend to taper off, and plants have a chance to establish roots before winter’s freezing temps roll in. Bottom line: if you’re looking to refresh your landscape or prepare for blooms and color next year, now’s the time to think about trees, shrubs, and perennials that are hardy, resilient, and well-suited to South Jersey’s climate.
Below, we’ll walk you through what to plant, how, and when to give your garden a solid head start.
Understanding South Jersey Landscaping Conditions & Timing
First, let’s talk about what makes South Jersey unique. Much of the region lies in USDA Hardiness Zones 6b–7a (sometimes dipping toward 7b in milder spots). That means winters aren’t brutally harsh, but cold snaps do occur. Your planting choices should tolerate occasional freezing and seasonal shifts in moisture.
Fall planting in South Jersey generally begins in late September through mid-October, sometimes stretching into early November if soil conditions allow. The key is to plant early enough that roots can grow into the surrounding soil before the ground freezes, but late enough that your plants are not stressed by summer heat. The soil should be workable, moist (not waterlogged), and free of extreme drought or soggy saturation.
What to Plant: Trees, Shrubs & Perennials That Perform
Here are solid choices for each category, along with planting and care tips:
Trees
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) — A multi-season favorite: white blossoms in spring, berries in summer, and fiery fall color. It works as a small ornamental or in a mixed border.
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) — Slow-growing but spectacular in fall when its fan-shaped leaves turn golden. Very tolerant and long-lived.
- Amur Maple (Acer ginnala) — Smaller than many maples but delivers strong red tones in autumn. Best in sun to part shade, with well-drained soil.
Shrubs
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — A native shrub that offers fragrant white blooms and beautiful red-orange fall foliage. Tolerates both sun and part shade.
- Fothergilla (Fothergilla spp.) — Known for its lace-like spring flowers and blazing fall color (gold, orange, red). Prefers acidic, well-drained soil.
- Viburnum (various species) — Many viburnums are excellent for multi-season interest (flowers, berries, foliage color). Works well in shrub borders.
Perennials
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) — A classic, reliable perennial that offers long-lasting blooms and good performance in local soils.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) — Hardy, adaptable, and attractive to pollinators. Great for both formal and naturalistic beds.
- Japanese Anemone (Anemone × hybrida) — Blooms into the fall season, adding late-season interest when many others are winding down.
- Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) — Works well in sunny, dryer parts of the garden. The silvery foliage and lavender blooms are a beautiful contrast.
These species are not only suited for the region, but many are relatively low-maintenance once established.
Planting & Care Tips for Fall Success
To help ensure your fall plantings take root (pun intended), follow these best practices:
Soil preparation:
Loosen the soil beyond the root zone (at least 1–2 times the root ball width). Incorporate compost or organic matter to improve structure, moisture retention, and nutrients.
Mulch wisely:
After planting, apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch (like shredded bark or leaf compost). Keep mulch a few inches away from stems/trunks to reduce rot risk.
Water thoroughly:
Give plants a deep soak after planting, and continue with regular watering until the ground freezes. Fall often brings rain, but supplement during dry spells.
Avoid heavy fertilization:
Late-season nitrogen can encourage soft growth that might not harden off before winter. Instead, rely on a balanced slow-release or organic feed in early spring.
Protect against winter stress:
For shrubs or young trees especially, consider burlap screens or wind breaks if winter winds are severe. Retain mulch over root zones for insulation.
Pruning & cleanup:
Delay major pruning until late winter or early spring; removing leaves and dead stems in fall helps reduce pests or disease over winter.
Monitoring & Adjusting After Planting
Once your plants are in, keep an eye on how they adjust during their first season. Check soil moisture weekly; even in fall, windy or sunny days can dry things out. If you notice wilting or browning edges, give them a deep soak rather than frequent light watering to help roots grow stronger.
As winter sets in, inspect your mulch and any protective wraps, making small adjustments as needed. With a little care now, your new plantings will settle in and reward you with healthy growth and colorful displays for years to come.
When to Call a Professional Landscaper
If your site has challenging conditions (like heavy clay, standing water, rocky soil, drainage issues, or compacted subsoil) getting help from a local landscaping or horticultural professional is smart. At Eaise, we’ve been working with South Jersey landscapes for decades, and we know how to match the right plants to the right sites. From soil assessments to drainage improvements, we make sure your investment in shrubs, trees, and perennials pays off with long-term success.
The Takeaway?
Fall is your garden’s golden opportunity in South Jersey. With thoughtful plant selection and proper planting techniques, your shrubs, trees, and perennials can get a strong start and reward you for seasons to come. The key? Plant early enough to let roots establish, pamper them through that first winter, and let them shine in spring and beyond. Ready to get your hands (and your garden beds) dirty this autumn? Let’s grow!