What to Plant in Fall: Montana’s Best Late-Season Landscaping Ideas

When most people think of planting season, they imagine spring—bright blooms, budding trees, and a rush to get everything in the ground. But in Montana, fall offers a second chance to enhance your landscape. In fact, cooler temperatures, fewer pests, and less watering make autumn an ideal time for planting. At Horizon Landscape Management, we help homeowners in Billings and beyond take advantage of the fall season with smart, late-season landscaping choices.

Whether you’re starting fresh or prepping for next spring, here’s what to plant this fall to give your yard a healthy, beautiful boost.

Why Fall Planting Works in Montana

Montana’s fall weather brings warm soil with cooler air temperatures—perfect conditions for root development. Unlike the unpredictable frosts of spring, the early weeks of fall tend to be stable, which allows new plants to establish before winter sets in. Plus, you’ll face fewer weeds and insects, giving your plants a head start with less maintenance.

1. Perennials That Return Stronger

Fall is the ideal time to plant hardy perennials, which will come back year after year. Options that thrive in Montana include:

Coneflowers (Echinacea) – Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and pollinator-friendly.

Black-Eyed Susans – Provide golden color into late fall and return reliably in spring.

Sedum (Stonecrop) – Great for dry conditions and perfect for rock gardens.

Daylilies – Easy to grow, and many varieties offer extended bloom periods.

Planting these in fall ensures their roots develop before the ground freezes, leading to stronger blooms next season.

2. Trees and Shrubs with Staying Power

Deciduous trees and shrubs can be successfully planted in fall if done early enough (typically by mid-October in Billings). Some good picks include:

Aspen – Popular in Montana landscapes for their brilliant yellow fall color.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – Native, bird-friendly, and offers four-season interest.

Ninebark – A hardy shrub with attractive foliage and excellent cold tolerance.

Lilac – Fall planting sets the stage for fragrant spring blossoms.

Be sure to water deeply and mulch the root zone to insulate new plantings.

3. Bulbs for Spring Beauty

Want color right when winter fades? Plant fall bulbs now for a cheerful spring payoff. The best options for Montana include:

Tulips

Daffodils

Crocuses

Hyacinths

Make sure bulbs are planted before the ground freezes—usually by late October. For protection against voles and other rodents, use bulb cages or a sprinkle of crushed gravel beneath the bulbs.

4. Cool-Season Grasses and Lawn Repair

Fall is the best time to seed or overseed your lawn in Montana. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue establish well in autumn’s moderate temps. The soil is still warm, and there’s typically more moisture, helping new grass take root before the snow flies.

It’s also a great time to aerate, dethatch, and fertilize to strengthen your lawn for winter dormancy.

5. Edible Plantings That Start Now

While many vegetables are harvested by now, certain edible perennials and herbs do well when planted in fall, including:

Garlic – Plant cloves in October for a summer harvest.

Chives and Thyme – Hardy herbs that return each spring.

Rhubarb and Asparagus – Start these in fall and enjoy strong yields for years to come.

Get a Jump on Next Year—Now

The fall season may seem like the end of the growing year, but in Montana, it’s more like planting your future landscape. From colorful perennials and flowering bulbs to lawn improvements and trees, what you do now lays the groundwork for a vibrant, low-maintenance yard next year.

At Horizon Landscape Management, we know what grows best in Billings’ unique climate—and how to get the most out of your property in every season. Whether you’re looking to plant, design, or prep for spring, we’re here to help.

Visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to schedule a consultation or seasonal service. Let’s make this fall count.