Fall Is for Planting: Why October Is the Best Time to Plant Trees & Shrubs on the Sunshine Coast
Updated: 4 days ago
The ginkgos in our yard are turning that buttery gold, the rain is back, and most folks are starting to put the garden gloves away. Here's a little secret from the B&K fam: fall is one of the very best times to plant trees and shrubs on the Sunshine Coast. If you've been thinking about a new shade tree, a climbing vine or a privacy hedge, October is your moment. Ginkgo for it!
Why fall planting works so well on the Coast
Spring gets all the attention, but trees and shrubs often settle in better in fall. Here's why:
Warm soil, cool air. The soil still holds summer's warmth, so roots keep growing even as the tops slow down.
Less stress. Cooler days mean less wilting and less transplant shock than planting into a hot, dry June.
Our famous coastal rain does the watering. Between now and spring, Mother Nature takes over most of the hose duty.
A head start on spring. A tree planted this month has a whole winter to root in, so it's ready to push new growth the moment the days get longer. Your future self will thank you!
Planting a privacy hedge? Meet Emerald Isle cypress
One question we hear a lot in Gibsons is "What can I plant for privacy?" One of our favourite answers is Emerald Isle® Leyland cypress ('Moncal'). It's a fast-growing, narrow evergreen with soft, bright green foliage. It grows about 20–25 ft tall but stays only about 6–8 ft wide, so you get a tall screen without giving up half your yard.
Emerald Isle likes full sun and well-drained soil. On spots where our coastal clay holds water, work in some organic matter before planting, or plant on a slight mound so the roots never sit soggy. Not sure how far apart to space your hedge? Bring us your measurements and we'll help you plan it out.
Trees, vines and roses to plant now
Our GINKGO FOR IT Fall Planting Sale is on now, so it's a great time to fill those gaps:
Ginkgo trees: famous for their fan-shaped leaves and brilliant gold fall colour.
Roses: get them rooted in now for a strong first flush next season.
Wisteria and other vines: dress up a pergola, fence or arbour.
Willows: graceful and fast-growing, and right at home in our wet coastal winters.
Hostas: shade-garden favourites that will pop back up fresh in spring.
30% off ginkgo trees, roses, wisteria and other vines, Emerald Isle cypress and willows, plus 25% off hostas, now through Monday, October 26. (Sale prices can't be combined with the B&K Club discount.) Browse our outdoor plants, or come wander the yard.
How to plant a tree or shrub in fall: 5 quick steps
Dig wide, not deep. Make the hole about twice as wide as the root ball and about as deep. The top of the root ball should sit level with (or slightly above) the surrounding soil.
Loosen the roots. If roots are circling the pot, gently tease them apart so they head out into the native soil.
Backfill with good stuff. Mix your native soil with compost or our bulk Garden Mix (75% compost, 25% sand) to give roots an easy start. For heavy clay, ask us about Nurseryland Clay Buster Compost.
Water it in well, even if rain is in the forecast. It settles the soil and removes air pockets. Keep an eye on plants under eaves, where rain doesn't always reach.
Mulch. Spread 2–3 inches of bark mulch over the root zone, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Our Aged Bark Mulch and Bright Bark Mulch (both hemlock/fir blends) help hold moisture, keep weeds down and protect the soil through the winter rains.
Our soils and mulch are sold by the yard, half-yard and 5-gallon pail. Planting a whole hedge? We deliver bulk soil and mulch anywhere on the Sunshine Coast, usually same-day.
Come see us at the Art Crawl, too
Mark your calendar: B&K is Venue No. 5 in the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, October 23–25. We're hosting the Sunshine Coast Writers & Editors Society in our greenhouse, along with free bulb and garden talks. We're open all weekend, including Sunday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Let's get planting
Come with your questions. We love helping you find the right plant for the right spot. Visit us at 629 Pratt Road in Gibsons (Mon–Sat, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) or call 604-886-0924. See you in the yard!
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