There is something about September in Pittsburgh. The air temperatures start to cool, football season kicks off, and Steelers Sundays become part of the weekly routine again. It is also, whether you realize it or not, one of the best times of the entire year to plant trees and shrubs.
If you have been putting off adding new plantings to your commercial property or your backyard, fall is your window, and it will not stay open for long.
At Esken Landscaping, we have been helping businesses and homeowners across the Pittsburgh area plan and plant for over 35 years. Since 1989, our landscaping professionals have learned exactly what trees and shrubs thrive in our local soil and climate, and exactly when to get them in the ground for the best results.
Why Fall Is the Ideal Time to Plant in Pittsburgh
Timing matters more than most people realize when it comes to tree and shrub planting. Spring gets all the attention, but fall offers real advantages. Cooler air temperatures reduce stress on new plantings, while the soil is still warm enough to encourage strong root development. Consistent fall rainfall also means less watering on your part and better moisture retention for developing roots.
Planting in September and into October gives trees and shrubs time to settle in before winter dormancy, so they are ready to take off with vigorous growth as soon as spring arrives. It is one of the simplest ways to get a head start on next year’s curb appeal.
Pittsburgh’s clay-heavy soil and hardiness zone do present some challenges, which is why proper soil preparation and plant selection matter so much. Choosing the right trees and shrubs for local conditions, and placing them correctly, is the difference between plantings that thrive and plantings that struggle.
Best Trees and Shrubs for Commercial Properties
Commercial landscaping has its own set of demands. Property managers and business owners need plantings that look great, hold up to heavy use, and do not require constant upkeep. A few of our go-to recommendations for commercial properties across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County include:
- Shade trees like red maple or honeylocust for parking lot islands and green spaces, offering shade and structure without excessive maintenance.
- Ornamental trees such as flowering pear or serviceberry near entrances and walkways, adding seasonal color that boosts curb appeal for tenants and customers.
- Evergreen shrubs like boxwood or juniper for year-round screening, privacy, and consistent color even through the winter months.
Commercial plantings also need to account for sightlines, salt tolerance near roads and parking areas, and clearance along walkways. Our team factors all of this into the design so your landscape architecture looks polished while staying practical for day-to-day operations. Whether you manage a business, an institution, or a municipal property, the right trees and shrubs are a smart, affordable way to elevate your outdoor spaces.
Best Trees and Shrubs for Residential Properties
Homeowners throughout the South Hills and greater Pittsburgh area often ask us what to plant for shade, privacy, or seasonal color. Some of our favorite residential picks include:
- Flowering trees like dogwood or crabapple for spring blooms and fall interest.
- Fall-foliage trees such as sugar maple or oak, known for spectacular color and long-term shade.
- Foundation shrubs and perennials to soften the base of your home and add year-round texture to your landscape beds.
- Privacy hedges like arborvitae or hydrangea for screening between properties.
Residential plantings should always consider yard size, sun and shade exposure, and proximity to your home and underground utilities. Pairing new trees and shrubs with fresh mulching and thoughtful bed design pulls the whole look together and gives your property that finished, professional appearance.
Planting and Care Tips for Fall Success
Whether you are a business owner or a homeowner, a few fundamentals apply to every planting project:
- Placement matters. Consider mature size, sunlight, and distance from structures and utilities before digging.
- Soil preparation is key. Loosening and amending Pittsburgh’s clay soil helps roots establish faster.
- Water consistently through the fall until the ground freezes, even though rainfall helps.
- Mulch around the base of new plantings to insulate roots and retain moisture through the colder months.
- Do not wait too long. Planting too late in the season does not give roots enough time to establish before winter dormancy sets in.
Professional installation avoids the most common mistakes we see, like poor placement, inadequate soil prep, or choosing the wrong plant for the site. Our experts handle every step, from selection to placement to aftercare guidance.
Why Esken Landscaping Is the Best Choice for Landscaping in the Pittsburgh Area
When it comes to trees, shrubs, and every other outdoor need your property may have, Esken Landscaping is the trusted landscaper for communities throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, including Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Peters Township, South Park, Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills, Baldwin Borough, Bridgeville, and West Mifflin.
Over 35 years of local experience. Since 1989, our team has worked on properties throughout the South Hills and beyond, giving us unmatched knowledge of local soil, climate, and plant performance.
Licensed and insured, always in-house. We never subcontract our work. Every project, commercial or residential, is completed by our own skilled crew, so you know exactly who is on your property.
A true full-service landscaping company. From general landscaping and tree and shrub planting to excavating and grading, hydroseeding and sod installation, retaining walls, pavers and patios, irrigation systems, rain gardens, and snow removal, we handle it all under one roof.
Reliability you can count on. Our reputation is built on responsiveness, clear communication, and completing projects on time and on budget, without exception.
A standout client experience. As a leader in landscaping companies serving Pittsburgh, we bring the same level of care to a small residential planting project as we do to a large-scale commercial hardscape installation. That commitment to quality is why property owners across the Pittsburgh area continue to choose Esken Landscaping year after year.
Ready to Plant This Fall?
Do not let the season slip by. Whether you are planning new trees and shrubs for a commercial property or refreshing your home’s landscape beds, Esken Landscaping has the experts, the experience, and the local know-how to get it done right.
Call 412-655-2834 or visit eskenlandscaping.com/contact
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Esken Landscaping | 360 Olympic Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 | Serving Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Since 1989
