By Louis Contino Landscaping | Serving Long Island, NY

Introduction: Timing Is Everything in Landscaping

Planting trees and shrubs is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. They bring shade, structure, color, privacy, and long-term value to your property. But one key factor determines whether your new landscape thrives or struggles timing.

On Long Island, we experience all four seasons: cold winters, wet springs, hot humid summers, and mild autumns. Each season affects soil temperature, moisture, and plant stress differently. Knowing the best time of year to plant ensures that roots have enough time to establish before facing harsh weather.

Whether you’re planning a full property installation or just adding a few new trees along your driveway, this guide will help you understand when and how to plant for the strongest, healthiest growth.

1. Spring Planting: The Season of Growth

Best for: Flowering shrubs, evergreens, and container-grown trees

Spring is one of the most popular times for planting across Long Island and for good reason. As the ground thaws and days get longer, plants naturally wake up and start pushing new roots and shoots.

Why Spring Works Well

• Soil warms gradually  ideal for root development.
• Frequent rain helps new plantings settle in with less manual watering.
• Cooler air temperatures reduce transplant shock.
• Widest plant availability  nurseries are fully stocked with trees and shrubs.

Watch Out For

• Planting too early: If the soil is still cold or wet, roots can rot before taking hold.
• Late frosts: Tender new growth can burn in April cold snaps.
• Sudden heat: Early June heatwaves can stress shallow-rooted plants.

Pro Tips from Louis Contino Landscaping

• The best spring window for Long Island planting is mid-April through early June.
• Water new plants deeply 2–3 times a week (more often during dry spells).
• Mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Avoid heavy fertilizing during the first few weeks  let roots adjust naturally.

Recommended spring plants:
 

Hydrangea, Boxwood, Dogwood, Azalea, Lilac, Japanese Maple, and Arborvitae.

2. Fall Planting: Long Island’s Ideal Season

Best for: Most deciduous trees, evergreen shrubs, and hardy perennials

Ask any professional landscaper  including our team  and they’ll tell you that fall is often the best time to plant on Long Island.

Why Fall is Ideal

• Warm soil + cool air: Roots grow quickly without heat stress.
• Consistent rainfall: Reduces watering needs and helps roots anchor deeply.
• Fewer pests: Cooler weather means less insect and disease activity.
• Dormancy advantage: Plants focus on root growth instead of leaves or flowers.

Things to Avoid

• Planting too late: Roots need at least 4–6 weeks before the first hard frost (typically mid-November).
• Over-fertilizing: Nitrogen can push new growth that won’t survive winter.
• Planting tropical or tender varieties: These may not adjust in time before freezing.

Louis Contino Landscaping Tip

After fall planting, apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base (but keep it away from the trunk). Mulch insulates roots, prevents frost heave, and keeps soil moist during dormancy.

Recommended fall plants:
Maples, Oaks, Viburnum, Holly, Yew, Privet, and ornamental grasses.

3. Summer Planting: Proceed with Caution

Best for: Drought-tolerant plants, perennials, or emergency replacements

Summer planting can be done successfully  but only with the right preparation and care. The biggest challenge is heat stress. When temperatures climb, water evaporates faster than roots can absorb it, leading to wilting or transplant shock.

Advantages

• Plants are in full growth mode, so roots can still expand quickly.
• It’s easy to monitor watering needs dry soil is obvious.
• Great for filling gaps or replacing damaged plants mid-season.

Challenges

• Heat and sun dry roots quickly.
• Frequent deep watering is required (daily during heat waves).
• Plant stress is higher, especially for newly installed evergreens.

Louis Contino Pro Tips

• Always plant early in the morning or late afternoon never midday.
• Water deeply and mulch immediately to prevent water loss.
• Use temporary shade cloth or burlap screens for sensitive plants.
• Avoid transplanting large trees in midsummer.

Recommended summer plants:
Roses, Lavender, Catmint (Nepeta), Daylilies, and tough evergreens like Juniper or Boxwood.

4. Winter Planting: For Professionals Only

Best for: Dormant trees or large, balled-and-burlapped installations

In most cases, winter is not suitable for homeowners to plant frozen soil and harsh winds make it difficult for roots to establish. However, professional landscapers like Louis Contino Landscaping sometimes perform dormant-season planting under specific conditions.

When Winter Planting Works

• The ground isn’t frozen solid.
• The plants are fully dormant.
• Installation crews use proper wrapping and insulation for root balls.

Major Risks

• Frost damage to roots.
• Poor soil contact if the ground is too cold or dry.
• Wind desiccation (drying out evergreens).

Dormant planting is typically done in late November through early February when the soil is workable and plants are at rest.

Recommended winter projects:
Large-caliper trees, structural evergreens, or pre-dig installations prepared for spring planting.

5. Bare-Root vs. Container vs. Balled-and-Burlapped

Understanding plant type helps you pick the right planting time.

6. Soil Preparation and Mulching Tips

Planting success depends on what’s under the surface.

Prepare the Soil

• Loosen the soil at least twice the width of the root ball.
• Mix in compost or aged organic matter to improve drainage and structure.
• Avoid heavy clay buildup it holds water and suffocates roots.
• On sandy Long Island soils, add peat moss or topsoil to help retain moisture.

Mulch Wisely

Mulch regulates soil temperature, reduces weeds, and conserves moisture.
Use 2–3 inches of shredded hardwood or pine mulch never pile mulch against the trunk (“volcano mulching”).

Watering Routine

• First 4 weeks: Water deeply every 2–3 days.
• Next 2 months: Weekly deep watering, depending on rainfall.
• Long-term: Once roots establish (after 1 year), water during droughts only.

7. Understanding Long Island’s Planting Zones

Long Island falls mainly within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7a and 7b.
This means:

• Average low temperatures: 0°F to 10°F
• Hot, humid summers with sandy, well-drained soil near the coast

What This Means for Planting:

• Spring planting should wait until after the last frost (usually mid-April).
• Fall planting should wrap up before the first frost (mid-November).
• Evergreens benefit from early fall planting for winter root growth.
• Flowering shrubs and perennials thrive when planted in spring to maximize summer blooming.

Knowing your microclimate is key  coastal areas like Huntington or Port Jefferson warm up earlier than inland areas like Commack or Dix Hills.

8. Common Planting Mistakes Homeowners Make

Avoid these frequent errors to protect your investment:

1. Planting too deep — burying the root flare can suffocate roots.
2. Ignoring drainage issues — soggy soil causes root rot.
3. Skipping mulch or piling it too high — leads to rot and pests.
4. Not watering enough during the first month.
5. Fertilizing too early. Wait until plants show new growth.
6. Choosing the wrong time of year for your plant type.
7. Not staking tall trees. High winds can loosen roots.
8. Planting too close to structures or walkways. Roots need room to grow.

9. Seasonal Care Checklist

Following a seasonal care plan helps ensure all your new plantings continue to thrive year-round.

10. Why Timing Matters: The Science Behind Root Growth

When you plant at the right time, your trees and shrubs focus on root establishment the hidden foundation for long-term success.

• In spring, warm soil and mild air encourage root branching.
• In fall, roots keep growing long after leaves drop (until soil freezes).
• In summer, growth slows due to heat stress roots focus on survival.
• In winter, roots go dormant but store energy for the next season.

Root development happens when the soil temperature is between 45°F and 65°F, which is why fall and early spring are the “sweet spots.”

11. How Louis Contino Landscaping Ensures Planting Success

At Louis Contino Landscaping, we don’t just plant — we plan. Our team evaluates your property’s soil, slope, drainage, sunlight, and local microclimate before planting. We choose the right species for your specific site conditions and schedule installation for the optimal season.

Our process includes:

• On-site soil testing and amendment recommendations
• Correct depth planting and staking for stability
• Professional mulching and irrigation setup
• Follow-up maintenance and seasonal adjustments

Whether it’s a privacy screen of Green Giant Arborvitae, a line of Japanese Maples, or foundation shrubs to frame your home, we ensure each plant thrives long-term not just the day it’s planted.

12. Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Plant on Long Island

To summarize:

Spring (April–June): Great for flowering shrubs, evergreens, and perennials.
Fall (September–November): The best time overall  warm soil, cool air, less stress.
Summer: Possible, but requires daily care.
Winter: Only for professionals or dormant planting.

Timing your planting properly allows roots to establish before weather extremes, ensuring faster growth, fewer losses, and a healthier landscape for years to come.

Ready to Plant the Right Way?

Let Louis Contino Landscaping help you choose the perfect time and the perfect plants  for your property. From soil prep to professional installation, we handle every detail so your new trees and shrubs thrive.

Call us today at 631-351-5409
Visit www.LouisContinoLandscaping.com
Serving Suffolk & Nassau County, Long Island, NY