Fall is the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs in Tennessee. The cooler air and soil temperatures reduce stress on plants and encourage root growth. This means the plants will be established by the spring and better able to handle the demands of flowering, leaf production and our hot humid summers. The UT Extension has several publications to help homeowners select the best plants for their yards, including Small Flowering Trees for Tennessee Landscapes & Native Trees for Tennessee.
Once you decide what to plant, be sure to give it good start by planting it correctly. See Tree Installation: Process and Practices, for tips on site prep, planting and watering.