What to Plant in Fall: The Best Options for Massachusetts

by, Jorge Melo

Fall in Massachusetts is one of the easiest and most reliable seasons for planting. The air cools down, the soil stays warm, and new plants settle in with far less stress than they do during summer heat. That simple shift in conditions gives roots more time to grow strong before winter.

So what can you plant in the fall in Massachusetts? Shrubs, perennials, spring-blooming bulbs, hydrangeas, lavender, hardy trees, and most cool-season plants handle fall extremely well. The only real exception is annuals, which won’t return in spring.

In our 35 years of business, fall has consistently delivered some of the healthiest long-term plant growth we’ve seen. When the heat disappears, plants finally get the chance to establish themselves — and you see the difference the following spring.

This guide walks through the best plants for Massachusetts fall weather, how to plant them correctly, and why so many homeowners use this season to upgrade their beds, borders, and overall landscape.

Fall Planting: What to Plant in Fall?

Massachusetts has a long list of plants that grow exceptionally well when planted from late August through November. Below is a breakdown based on the most reliable fall-planted categories.

Trees to plant in the fall

Trees and shrubs respond extremely well to fall planting because they won’t waste energy on producing foliage. Their entire focus goes into root growth.

Some of the best trees and shrubs to plant in Massachusetts in the fall include:

• Hydrangeas (they do surprisingly well when fall-planted)

• Rhododendrons

• Boxwoods (avoid planting late-season)

• Maples

• Dogwood

• Crabapple

• Ginkgo

• Redbud

• Lilac

• Viburnum

• Elderberry

• Roses

• Ninebark

• Spirea

• Weigela

Hydrangeas in particular adapt quickly — even without flowers on them. Customers are often shocked that fall-planted hydrangeas rebound with massive blooms the following summer.

Perennials to plant in fall

Perennials planted in the fall have time to establish strong roots before winter. That means fuller growth, stronger stems, and more blooms next year.

Best fall perennials for Massachusetts include:

• Hostas

• Black-eyed Susans

• Salvia

• Russian sage

• Daylilies

• Bee balm

• Garden phlox

• Lungwort

• Foamflower

• Spike speedwell

Shrubs to plant in fall

• Hydrangea

• Rose

• Lilac

• Spirea

• Elderberry

• Ninebark

• Viburnum

• Weigela

Many homeowners don’t realize this, but even if these perennials look “tired” at the end of summer, they thrive when planted in fall.

Spring-blooming bulbs

Spring bulbs must be planted in the fall in Massachusetts because they need winter cold to trigger blooming.

Common bulbs to plant:

• Tulips

• Daffodils

• Crocus

• Hyacinths

• Alliums

When to plant bulbs

Plant bulbs when nighttime temperatures consistently drop to around 50°F for about two weeks. This usually falls between late September and late October in Massachusetts.

How deep to plant tulips and daffodils

Plant them 6 to 8 inches deep, or roughly two to three times the bulb’s height.

Trees, shrubs, and perennials (extended list)

These categories overlap with the ones above, but fall is also ideal for:

• Dividing hostas

• Dividing daylilies

• Moving shrubs

• Relocating perennials

• Establishing new garden beds

We often combine these services with garden and landscaping services, garden bed maintenance, and landscaping and planting services for homeowners preparing for spring.

Reasons you should plant in your landscape in the fall

Fall brings a perfect mix of cool air and warm soil. That combination creates ideal conditions for root development — roots continue growing until soil temperatures consistently drop below roughly 48°F.

• Cool weather reduces transplant shock

• Soil stays warm enough for active root growth

• More rainfall improves establishment

• Less watering is required

• Pests and diseases are less aggressive

• Plants become fully established before spring begins

I realized early in my career that the hotter the weather is, the harder it is for a plant to adapt. Fall gives the opposite conditions — stable, gentle, and predictable.

Planting in the fall also means your plants start spring miles ahead. Instead of struggling to get established, they’re already rooted deeply and ready to grow.

Dos for fall planting

You can plant up to 6 weeks before your ground freezes

Massachusetts soil typically freezes in mid-November to mid-December, depending on the region.

Get everything in the ground before the ground freezes

Even late-season planting is still better than leaving plants in plastic pots over winter.

Provide supplemental water when needed

Cool weather doesn’t eliminate the need for watering.

Mulch

Mulching stabilizes soil temperature and helps with root insulation. If you need help, many homeowners search for mulching services near Rochester, MA or mulching services near Mattapoisett, MA, especially before winter.

Don’ts for planting in autumn

Avoid planting evergreens in mid to late fall

They’re more sensitive to winter burn.

Avoid planting plants that get winter damage

Examples: butterfly bush, caryopteris.

Avoid planting anything borderline in your growing zone

Wait for spring if the plant is pushing zone limits.

After planting care

After planting:

• Water deeply

• Add 2–3 inches of mulch

• Protect young shrubs from frost with burlap

• Label perennials if they’ll go dormant soon

How to set the right planting height

Set the plant slightly above ground level

The top of the root ball should sit 2–3 inches higher than the soil around it. This keeps the base dry, improves airflow, and helps roots establish faster.

Never bury the crown

If the plant sits too low, the stem stays wet, the roots suffocate, and the plant slowly declines. It’s one of the most common causes of failure.

Mulch correctly

Add mulch around the plant, but never against the stem. Leave a small gap so the base can breathe.

When is the best time to plant bulbs?

Six weeks before the ground freezes — typically late September through October.

How do I protect newly planted shrubs from frost and animals?

Mulch around the base, add burlap, and consider mesh protection if deer are active.

Can I plant hydrangeas in the fall?

Yes — they adapt extremely well in Massachusetts and thrive when planted in cool weather.

Can you plant lavender in the fall?

Yes, but choose hardy English lavender varieties and plant early in the season.

Can you plant mums in the fall?

Yes, but here in Massachusetts, they perform best as annual color unless planted early.

Can you plant trees in the fall?

Absolutely — fall is ideal for root development.

What flowers should you plant in the fall?

Pansies, asters, ornamental cabbage, kale, and spring bulbs.

What are fall plants?

Hardy shrubs, cool-season perennials, bulbs, and vegetables that can handle Massachusetts temperature swings.

Can you plant bushes in the fall?

Yes — most Massachusetts shrubs do best in the fall.

What to grow in a fall garden?

Greens, roots, garlic, pansies, bulbs, and hardy perennials.

What flowers to plant in the fall for spring?

Tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, and alliums.

Can I plant roses in the fall?

Yes — plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes.

FAQ about planting in the fall

How do I know if my soil is ready for fall planting?

If the soil is still workable and nighttime temperatures are above freezing, you can plant.

How much should I water fall plantings?

Water thoroughly at installation, then as needed until the ground freezes.

Should I fertilize during fall planting?

Use a low-nitrogen starter fertilizer only if needed.

Do you offer shrub planting services?

Yes — we offer shrub planting services, tree planting services, flower bed installation, and full landscaping and planting services across the South Coast.

Fall cleanups

A full fall cleanup keeps your yard healthy through winter and prevents major issues in spring.

We handle leaf removal, cutting back perennials, light shrub and tree touch-ups, garden bed maintenance, debris and weed removal, and full gutter cleaning to stop clogs, overflow, and ice dams before they start.

If you want your property fully cleaned, protected, and winter-ready, we’ll take care of everything.

FAQ about New England Tree & Landscape

Do you offer planting services?

Yes — including planting services, garden bed maintenance, landscape design, landscape lighting, and full landscape installations.

Do you handle design and layout?

Yes — we help homeowners choose plants that thrive in Massachusetts.

Do you service Rochester and Mattapoisett?

Yes — many clients find us while searching for landscaping and gardening near Rochester, MA or landscaping and gardening near Mattapoisett, MA.

Conclusion

If you want the strongest results next spring, fall is the best time to get your landscape planted, cleaned up, and prepared. We handle everything — from planning to planting to mulch installation — so your yard looks its best year-round.

For expert planting services across Massachusetts, contact New England Tree & Landscape today.

Sources

Balogh, Anne. “What to Plant in Your Fall Garden.” Garden Design, 2025.Hirvela, Stacey. “Fall Planting: What to Plant In Fall?” Proven Winners, 2025.Wigglesworth, Shelley. “New England Fall Planting Guide.” Yankee Magazine, 2021.Rubin, Zach. “What to Plant in Fall: The Best Options for Massachusetts Landscapes.” Moodscapes, 2024.Albarda, Valerie. “Fall Is for Planting.” Lowe’s, 2025.

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