How does fall planting benefit trees compared to other seasons?

Fall planting offers significant advantages for tree establishment, primarily because it coincides with optimal conditions for root development. During the fall, the soil remains warm from the summer sun, which promotes root growth, even as the tree's top growth slows down with cooler temperatures. This allows the roots to establish themselves in the ground without the immediate stress of heat and drought that can occur in summer.

As the tree prepares for winter, it conserves energy, allowing it to put more resources into rooting without the competing demands of leaf growth. By the time spring arrives, these trees benefit from a developed root system that can effectively absorb water and nutrients, which helps them thrive during the warmer, more stressful summer months. This establishment phase greatly enhances the tree's chances of survival and vigorous growth when the active growing season begins.

The other options, while relevant to tree health and planting considerations, do not capture the full scope of advantages provided by fall planting as effectively as the one that emphasizes root establishment.