Many deciduous trees and shrubs can be planted in late fall, when they are in dormancy (all leaves have fallen)--usually from October onward, while the ground is workable. Certain deciduous trees (those with fleshy roots and some others) will transplant well only in the early spring planting season. Examples are beech (Fagus spp.), magnolia (Magnolia spp.), birch (Betula spp.), maple (Acer spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), willow (Salix spp.), hornbeam (Carpinus spp.), poplar (Populus spp.), tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), hemlock (Tsuga spp.), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), and ornamental cherries (Prunus spp.). Large trees should not be transplanted in the fall. They are difficult to move at any time, but spring planting gives the greatest chance of success. Any tree or shrub that is regarded as being borderline hardy in your area should be planted in the early spring.

More about planting trees here.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service