In your zone either is possible. But since bare root trees survive and grow better than potted, next spring is a better bet. Plant them as early as you can. Best planting time is late February or March after the chances of zero type weather has passed and the soil has dried enough to work.

Lady Jane,

Here's my 2 cents. I am in zone 6 on the east coast (central MA). I've grown apple, peach and cherry trees. I've never planted in the fall for fear that trees would not get established in time before the soil freezes (could just be my unfound fear).

I've always planted my trees in the spring. We do have snow on the ground into April. When I order trees, I always ask a nursery to send them to me around mid April. It's easier for me to dig a hole when the soil is not so hard. (it's hard enough to dig into many rocks for each hole.)

I may plant later than others recommended for zone 6 but I have never had any problem with my trees getting established.

Thank you for your input, I appreciate it. Would May be too late if the ground is still frozen in April (as it was last year)?

Plant in spring as soon as you can after the soil thaws and is dry enough to work.