Bob the Deer, coming to you with some fall wisdom. I tend to do a lot of running this time of year, not by choice, but from people called hunters. I assume this is a term for people who didn’t use Everguard Deer and Rabbit repellent… and now they are out for revenge. I get it, I probably destroyed their landscaping, but if they took my advice and used Everguard I wouldn’t be running for my life!

Everguard is the most effective way to keep me and my friends out of your plants! It’s eco-friendly, too, which means it’s good for the environment, and less stressful for both of us. A win-win, right?

When planting, be sure to loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and mix in some peat moss or fertilizer. This helps roots settle in and prepares your plants for the colder months ahead.

As winter approaches, keep in mind that deer are always on the lookout for food. When resources get scarce, they’ll target anything green, including your rhododendrons, and arborvitaes. To protect your new plantings from becoming their next meal, apply Everguard Deer and Rabbit Repellent immediately after planting. Everguard’s Deer & Rabbit Repellent also acts as an anti-desiccant which helps to prevent your plants from drying out by acting as a moisture barrier. This also helps to protect your plants from harsh road and walkway salts that can burn and damage evergreen plants.

Fall is an ideal time for planting, especially for those who enjoy landscaping or are looking to enhance their outdoor spaces. Cooler temperatures, combined with still-warm soil, create the perfect environment for new trees, shrubs, and bushes to establish strong root systems before the chill of winter sets in. During this season, plants can focus on root development rather than top growth, which makes them better prepared to thrive when spring arrives. For anyone planning to plant this season, Columbus Day weekend offers a great window of opportunity, but don’t delay—ground freezes will be here before you know it.

When it comes to selecting plants for fall, some options are especially suited to the season:

• Trees: Maples, oaks, and dogwoods are excellent choices. They benefit from the cooler weather, which helps reduce transplant shock and allows roots to take hold.
• Shrubs: Boxwoods, hydrangeas, and hollies are all solid picks for fall planting. They are resilient and can establish roots quickly, ensuring they’re ready to bloom in the spring.
• Perennials: Fall is also a great time to plant perennials like hostas, peonies, and daylilies. These plants will spend the winter developing strong roots and will burst into bloom come springtime.

Regional Considerations

While fall is generally the best time to plant across much of the U.S., there are some regional differences to keep in mind:

• Northeast and Midwest: In these regions, fall is perfect for planting, but it’s important to get everything in the ground by mid-October to avoid early frosts. The cooler air and warm soil provide excellent conditions for root growth.
• Southeast: Fall planting is highly recommended here as well. Cooler weather reduces stress on plants, and the extended growing season allows roots to become well-established before winter. In the Southeast, planting can often continue into November.
• Southwest: In desert climates, fall is one of the best times for planting because the brutal summer heat has subsided. Plants have time to adjust before winter. However, avoid planting in the summer months here, as the extreme heat can cause significant stress on young plants.
• West Coast: Fall is optimal for planting in coastal and inland regions of California, Oregon, and Washington. The rainy season helps with root establishment. In Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, planting in late summer or fall is best to avoid the cold, wet winters that could hinder root development.
• Mountain West: In places like Colorado and Utah, fall planting should be done early—by mid-September—since higher elevations mean earlier freezes. Spring may also be a better option for some areas.

When to Avoid Planting

Although fall is often ideal, there are times when it’s best to hold off on planting:

• Late Fall/Winter in Cold Climates: Once the ground freezes, it’s too late to plant. The roots won’t have time to establish, and frost can damage young plants.
• Summer in Hot, Dry Regions: Planting during the height of summer in places like the Southwest or Southeast is not recommended, as the intense heat and lack of rain can cause stress and hinder growth.

Protecting Your Investment

After all your hard work planting, it’s important to protect those new additions from local wildlife. Deer and rabbits can quickly turn your beautiful landscaping into a buffet, especially as food becomes scarce in the winter. Everguard Deer and Rabbit Repellent offers an effective, eco-friendly solution to this problem. By applying Everguard, you can safeguard your new shrubs, trees, and bushes without worrying about harming the environment or your pets.

Whether you’re planting in the Northeast, Southeast, or even the deserts of the Southwest, Everguard helps keep your landscaping intact, ensuring that come springtime, your plants are ready to thrive. So, get out there this fall, plant with confidence, and protect your yard from hungry visitors.