Key Takeaways

1. Fall is the best-kept secret for planting in Orange County. Cooler weather helps plants grow strong roots without summer heat stress.
2. Best trees for fall planting:
   • Deciduous (Japanese Maple, Redbud)
   • Evergreen (Olive, Citrus, Pine)
3. Shrubs, flowers, and veggies love fall too:
   • Native plants & ornamental grasses thrive.
   • Grow lettuce, spinach, and broccoli easily.
4. Prep matters:
   • Improve soil health with compost.
   • Use mulch to protect roots.
   • Water deeply but less often
5. Fall beats spring in many ways:
   • Less watering, fewer pests
   • Plants establish better for the next year.
6. Avoid mistakes:
   • Don’t plant too late.
   • Never skip mulch.
   • Adjust watering for cooler temps.
7. Need help? Signature Landscaping knows how to make your fall planting a success. Let’s get started!

Most people think spring is the only season for planting. But if you're in Orange County, you're missing out if you skip fall. The cooler weather and still-warm soil make autumn one of the best times to get plants in the ground.

Why Fall Planting Works So Well in Southern California

Our Southern California climate is different from other places. While some areas freeze in winter, ours stays mild. That means fall is an excellent time for plants to grow strong before spring.

Here’s why:

• Soil stays warm from summer but air temps cool down. This helps plant roots grow deep without stress.
• Less watering is needed because of cooler temperatures and (hopefully) some rain.
• Fewer pests and weeds to fight compared to spring.

If you’ve ever planted in spring and watched your plants struggle in the summer heat, fall planting is your answer.

Best Trees to Plant in Fall

Not all trees love fall, but these do great when planted in autumn:

Deciduous Trees (lose leaves in winter):

• Japanese Maple (stunning leaf color)
• Crape Myrtle (colorful flowers)
• Redbud (early spring blooms)

Evergreen Trees (stay green year-round):

• Olive Trees (love our climate)
• Citrus Trees (get a head start before the summer months)
• Pine Trees (strong root systems)

Pro tip: Dig a wide planting hole and mix in organic matter like compost. This helps root growth before winter. Still confused? Call a professional landscape designer.

Shrubs and Flowers That Thrive in Fall

Trees aren’t the only plants that love fall. Many shrubs and flowers do better when planted now:

• Native plants like Manzanita and Ceanothus (they’re used to our weather)
• Ornamental grasses (add texture to garden beds)
• Cool-season flowers like Pansies and Snapdragons (brighten up winter months)

Fall planting gives these plants months to grow strong roots before next summer’s heat.

Vegetables You Can Still Plant in Fall

Yes, you can grow food in autumn! These veggies love cool temperatures:

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Carrots

Plant them in late summer or early fall for harvest before cold weather (if we even get any!). Consult a professional Hardscaping Contractor.

How to Prepare Your Garden for Fall Planting

Want your fall plants to thrive? A little prep goes a long way:

• Test your soil – Healthy soil health means better growth.
• Add compost – More organic matter = happier plants.
• Mulch well – Keeps soil temperature even and holds moisture.
• Water deeply – Helps root development before winter.

Don’t skip this step. Good soil conditions now mean less work later.

Fall vs. Spring Planting: Which is Better?

We love spring planting, too, but here’s why fall often wins:

Where to Get Plants for Fall

Local Garden Centers stock up on fall-friendly plants. Look for:

• Trees and shrubs on sale (many stores clear out inventory)
• Grass seeds for cool-season lawns
• Evergreen trees for year-round green

Late fall is a great time for deals as nurseries prepare for winter.

Common Fall Planting Mistakes to Avoid

Even though fall is easier, people still make mistakes:

• Planting too late – Give plants 6-8 weeks before frost (rare here, but still).
• Skipping mulch – Without it, soil temperature swings can hurt roots.
• Overwatering – Cooler temperatures mean plants drink less.

Stick to the basics, and your plants will thank you.

Need Help With Your Fall Landscape?

If all this sounds great, but you’d rather leave it to the pros, we get it. At Signature Landscaping, we know exactly what to plant in the fall for a stunning yard next year.

Ready to make the most of autumn? Visit us at yoursignaturelandscape.com, and let’s get planting!

There you go—why fall is the secret weapon for a better landscape in Orange County. Now, grab those garden tools and get to work before winter!