Cities Across the Country Are Hitting Their Hottest Days of the Year

Q: How far out should I start planning fall plantings?

Now is reasonable, typically 6 or more weeks before first hard frost.

Q: Does this summer's heat affect plants I planted last fall?

Plants established last fall are more heat-resilient.

Cities Across the Country Are Hitting Their Hottest Days of the Year — Here's What It Means for Your Fall Planting Timeline

Posted By Pixies Gardens Horticulture Team on July 2026

Fall-planted red maple establishing before winter

Quick Facts

Current event	Widespread heat dome, eastern two-thirds of U.S.
Fall planting lead time	At least 6 weeks before first hard frost
Best move now	Order/plan fall plantings while stock is available

Jump to: This Week's Heat · Why It Connects to Fall · FAQ

Cities Across the Country Are Seeing Their Hottest Days of the Year This Week

With a heat dome pushing dangerous, record-setting heat across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. — and major cities including Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Dallas, and Nashville expected to hit their highest temperatures of the year so far — it's worth connecting this week's heat to your fall planting plans.

This Week's Heat, Briefly

Most of the central and eastern U.S. is entering its typical hottest stretch of the year right now, landing on top of a summer where most of the country is already showing drought conditions.

Why This Connects to Fall Planting

Trees and shrubs planted right now face an uphill battle establishing roots while fighting heat stress — part of why fall has become the recommended planting window for woody plants in most climates.

If this summer's heat and drought have made you hesitant to plant anything new, that hesitation is reasonable — and fall is the better window anyway.