Caring for your trees from day one is vital for good health and long life. This means not only picking the right tree and spot but also making sure the time of planting is right. That said, the best time to plant trees in Texas is when they have ample time to establish strong roots before they are exposed to the stress of the scorching summer heat and insufficient water.
Here are more tips for planting young trees that will help them develop quickly and stay healthy even in the face of stressors and harsh conditions.
What To Consider When Planting Trees In Texas
While climate plays the biggest role in determining when to plant trees in Texas, what species to plant and where, there are several other things gardeners should put into consideration to ensure their greenery grows properly and achieves the desired purpose.
1. Space
Keeping in mind that different trees will achieve different sizes at maturity, the space you have in your garden will dictate what type of tree you should go for. Some species like oak, for instance, require plenty of room to spread, and will not fit in small tight spaces once full-grown.
Think about the proximity to your home’s foundation, driveways, sideways, and utility lines too; you want your trees to be as far from these as possible. The last thing you want is a tree outgrowing its space and becoming a danger to your property. If your space cannot fit a large tree, look for small trees that do well in Texas.
2. Soil
Different parts of Texas have different soil types, and these too play an important role in tree planting. Trees for North Texas, for instance, are well adapted to heavy clay soils with a high PH and won’t do well in East Texas where soils are more acidic. On the other hand, pine trees will thrive in acidic soils and suffer in alkaline North Texas’ soils.
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3. Water
All newly planted trees require regular watering until they are fully established. Some species like the bald cypress, however, will need more moisture even after they are completely developed to keep growing. Such trees will flourish the best in low spots where water collects and stays for longer periods before drying up; an Afghan pine, however, will not thrive in such areas.
What Is The Best Time To Plant Trees In Texas?
If you are a new landowner in Texas and looking to plant some trees on your property, you may want to know, “What is the best time to plant a tree?”
Well, the best time to plant a tree in Texas would be in fall, when the temperatures drop and rain starts to fall. Planting your trees in fall gives them enough time to develop new roots and get established before the next blazing summer sets in.
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During winter, the root systems expand and become sturdier, and since they are also able to absorb more nutrients from the soil, they are able to support the tree and fully take advantage of the massive spring growth.
What Is The Best Tree To Plant In Texas?
There are many trees that will thrive in the different climatic conditions experienced in different parts of Texas. In general, Texas has three climate types: the continental steppe, which experiences extremely high temperatures, low rainfall, and low humidity, the mountain climate, which experiences lower temperatures and irregular precipitation, and the subtropical modified marine climate that is classified as arid, semi-arid, humid, and sub-humid.
Whichever climate zone you are in, your trees of choice should be acclimated to it and its temperatures to increase their chances of growth. However, there are trees native to Texas that will grow anywhere in the state with little maintenance. These include:
- Live oak
- Redbud
- Crape myrtle
- Magnolia
- Japanese maple
- Cedar elm
- Pecan
- Desert willow
What Are The Fastest-Growing Trees In Texas?
The fastest-growing trees in Texas include:
- Dessert willow
- Chinese parasol
- Green ash
- Mexican sycamore
- Dawn redwood
- Monterrey oak
- Chinese empress
- Montezuma cypress
How To Plant Your Trees Properly
Now that you know when to plant trees in Texas and which ones to plant, here are a few things you should do to ensure proper planting:
- Dig a wide hole, preferably twice the width of the rootball, but no deeper than the length of the rootball.
- Plant the tree on solid soil and avoid loosening the soil underneath the rootball. Do not add bark, compost, or any other amendment either.
- Do not carry the tree by the trunk; lift and transport it by the rootball.
- Fill the hole only with the soil you dug from the hole and tamp it down around the rootball.
- Water thoroughly to get rid of air pockets.
Post-Planting Tips
- Do not fertilize the tree immediately after planting. The best time to add fertilizer would be in the spring, and even then, you should just apply a small amount to avoid burning the roots of the newly planted trees.
- Avoid staking young plants. Some experts argue that staking reduces the plant’s ability to support itself once you have removed the stakes and may also injure the bark, making the tree a target for pests as well as the most common tree diseases in Texas.
- Keep your trees mulched; a layer 2 to 4 inches would be ideal.
- Avoid covering the root’s flare with soil or mulch to prevent root rot.
Local Tree Experts Overview
Fall is the best time to plant trees in Texas, as it gives them enough time to armor up for the dry, hot summer. But even before you plant your tree, it is important to make sure it is adapted to the soil in your area and you have enough space for it. Always liaise with a tree service Texas professional if you are not sure whether your preferred tree will do well in your area’s climate.
