Planting trees early in the fall allows plant roots to develop before the ground freezes.
Evergreens transplant especially well.
Avoid planting extremely large trees, oaks, birches, magnolias, redbuds, and flowering dogwoods, as they are slow to establish and more prone to winter damage. After planting, water regularly until the ground freezes, and apply a three to four-inch layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and prevent extreme soil temperature fluctuations. Do not fertilize. If you are looking for the right tree, shrub, or other plant for your yard, visit The Morton Arboretum. It is the best spot in the Midwest for seeing mature plant specimens during all four seasons.