As a rule of thumb, deciduous plants should go in the ground when dormant (leafless) but when the earth is unfrozen, in late fall or early spring. Evergreen trees and shrubs will continue to take up nourishment through the colder months and should be planted at a time of year that is less challenging for them to establish themselves, neither too hot nor too cold. 

Read more on this subject in our guide to Selecting, Siting and Planting Trees and Shrubs.

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