When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs in Colorado Springs?
Spring and early fall both work, but plant type, elevation, heat, irrigation, and the time left before frozen soil change the answer.
For much of Colorado, the Colorado State Forest Service identifies March 15 to June 15 and September 1 to October 15 as useful tree-planting windows. In Colorado Springs, those are planning ranges—not guarantees. Soil condition, forecast heat or cold, elevation, plant dormancy, and reliable irrigation matter more than a date alone.
Spring gives roots a longer season before winter. Early fall offers cooler air and warm soil, but a late planting still needs water until the ground freezes and during dry winter periods.
Choose the window that matches the plant
Container trees can be planted from spring into fall when irrigation is available. Spring or early summer provides more establishment time; late summer and early fall can also succeed when roots have time to begin growing before frozen soil.
At higher elevations or exposed west-side sites, the season is shorter and winter arrives sooner. CSU's mountain guidance leans toward spring planting for trees, especially when nursery stock has already leafed out in a warmer climate.
Conditions that say wait
- The soil is frozen, waterlogged, or too dry and hard to prepare correctly.
- A heat wave or hard freeze is imminent and follow-up watering cannot be maintained.
- The plant is actively growing tender shoots that are poorly matched to current outdoor conditions.
- The site, mature size, utility conflicts, and irrigation plan have not been resolved.
Planting correctly matters more than planting quickly
Find the root flare, set the root ball on firm soil slightly above grade, make the hole wide rather than unnecessarily deep, correct circling roots, and keep mulch away from the trunk. Call 811 before digging. After planting, keep the root ball and surrounding soil moist but not saturated.
Evergreens, newly planted trees, and exposed sites may need winter water on mild days. Planting in the right month cannot compensate for a buried root flare or a dry root ball.
Sources & further reading
These Field Notes translate Colorado horticultural guidance into practical homeowner language. For the underlying recommendations, start with the original CSU Extension resources: