I live in Des Moines and about two weeks ago planted a tree rec from a DNR program. You have to make sure that it is watered about every 2 weeks - this time of year can be very dry and plants that are planted now need to be monitored. Now is the time to plant bulbs. I would not hesitate to move plants - they will have the winter to establish. Anyone else have any idead??

I am planting a tree tomorrow in my yard here in Minneapolis. A sugar maple to be specific. Planting this time of year is fine for most trees. Give them an occasional water until the ground freezes. I have also planted perennials as late as around Halloween(they were really cheap). I would say about 75% of them survived the winter.

You can use a root stimulator product (available most places)....it stimulates the roots to grow. It is recommended for late plantings.

I have found I have better luck with late fall- early winter plantings to just bury the pots for the winter- and plant them out in the spring.
I will look for deals on plants at this time of year- and have learned the hard way- that loss is a big part of the equasion if I disturb already distressed late season potted plants- I guess to be in full disclosure- - I usually don't run the hose out to them and water late fall plantings as reccommended- as it is usually put away for the season before I should stop watering-
I learned that trick on GW- and it has worked well for me....

A little known horticulture secret is that fall is the best time to plant. Eventhough the plants will have almost no noticeable top growth they will continue to produce roots, and become established throughout the Winter. Any headstart you can get before next Summer's drought is a plus.

Home Depot & Lowes don't want you to know that because they are usually throwing away the plants they didn't sell in Spring & Summer. (I'd throw them out also if I didn't have to pay untill they are purchased.)