The other day I ordered from the Arbor Day Foundation. They asked if I wanted delivery yet this fall. I was a little taken aback. I've always been a Spring tree planter. Do some of you have good luck planting in the Fall?

We have excellent luck planting trees in fall. Most people feel it gives a full year head start over spring planting as the roots grow even when top is dormant. May not be the case as far north as you are.

I have planted and transplanted quite a few trees in the fall. I have best success if it is late fall and they are dormant.

Zim

I prefer fall planting.

You're area you want fall planting before everything freezes.
Down here we start planting justhe after new years into February.

Fall trees will do good.

Plant in the Fall after the tree has gone dormant.

Get some good deals at some of the stores around here in the fall on fruit trees. Tractor Supply, Rural King type stores. Got a few Elberta Peach trees awhile back and planted them in the fall. They’re still doing great. They were loaded with peaches this year.

I prefer fall tree planting.

As for Arbor Day Foundation, their lilac bushes that I planted in the fall of 2016 have gained only about 5" height in 2 full growing seasons.

They do well here planted in the fall, but look out for frost heaving and drying out. Cold dry wind can suck the moisture out of them if it doesn't rain or
snow melt doesn't keep the roots hydrated. Frost heaving can push them out of the ground, expose the roots, or break them off. A thick mulch layer will protect them.
I planted two last fall and mulched them thick and kept an eye on the soil moisture, watered them good a couple times. They are both doing well.

I have ordered many fruit trees from the Arbor Day folks. I’ve planted in both spring and fall....I don’t think I ever lost a tree. They are bare root stock and dipped in “ root slime” to help them endure their first season. I liked this source because I could order full size fruit trees, not just dwarf and semi dwarf. I have apple and pear trees, planted 16 years ago that are 25 feet tall, and bear a lot of fruit.

Planting seeds or seedlings?

Both.
Transplants too, from around my property is something I'm considering.
As for fruit trees, I planted 2 last week.

This.

I wouldn't even think of planting seedlings in the fall in this area. Come spring, they'd all be laying on top of the ground.

I'll have to look into that. I was thinking of transplanting some jackpine. I hadn't heard of a frost heave issue.

Excellent article I just stumbled upon in my newsletter

Fall planting works well, but is blasphemous!
I live the rest of the year for fall as my time to hunt, fish, trap, or whatever I choose.
I retired at 55, but work in other ways.
6 saturdays a week, but still only 30 days in November.

I see your point Willy but I'm not going to rule out fall tree planting. Long term, I'm hoping my efforts pay off in improving my deer grounds.

I think watering trees in the fall can be important. I'm not sure if newer trees grow after the first deep frost, but it seems that the water helps the root system develop

The old saying goes the best time to plant a tree is yesterday.