Guides & Tips
Everything you need to know about planting, selecting, and caring for native Texas trees.
Top 10 Trees to Plant in Hill Country
The definitive list of trees that thrive in Hill Country limestone soil, heat, and deer pressure.
Read articleTop 10 Shade Trees for San Antonio
The best shade trees ranked by canopy size, growth rate, and drought tolerance for SA homeowners.
Top 10 Fast Growing Trees in Texas
Growth rates compared — which trees give you shade fastest in Central Texas conditions.
Top 10 Drought Tolerant Trees for Texas
Native trees that survive on rainfall once established. Save water and money.
Top 10 Deer Resistant Trees for Hill Country
Trees and plants that deer won't touch — tested in real Hill Country conditions.
When to Plant Trees in Texas — Season Guide
Month-by-month guide. Fall is best, but here's exactly why and what to do each season.
How to Care for Newly Planted Trees
First-year watering schedule, stake removal timeline, mulch tips, and stress signs to watch for.
Best Shade Trees for San Antonio & Hill Country
Browse shade trees filtered from our plant database. Find the right canopy for your yard.
Privacy Trees & Screening Plants for Texas
Evergreen trees for natural privacy screens. Spacing guides and species comparison.
Drought Tolerant Trees for Texas
Low-water trees and plants from our database. Filter by water needs.
Deer Resistant Plants for Hill Country
Plants deer avoid — filtered from our 694-species database.
How Much Does Tree Planting Cost?
Transparent pricing by container size. What's included with every installation.
How Our Tree Delivery & Planting Works
5-step process from browsing to enjoying your trees. A&M planting guidelines explained.
What Are the Best Trees to Plant in San Antonio?
The best trees to plant in San Antonio are native species adapted to alkaline limestone soil, hot summers, and periodic drought — including Live Oak, ...
What Trees Grow Well in Limestone Soil?
Trees that thrive in limestone soil include Live Oak, Texas Red Oak, Cedar Elm, Mountain Laurel, Mexican Plum, Lacey Oak, and Texas Persimmon — all na...
What Is the Best Shade Tree for Texas?
The Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is widely considered the best shade tree for Texas — it's drought-tolerant, evergreen, grows a massive canopy up to ...
What Trees Are Native to the Texas Hill Country?
The Texas Hill Country is home to over 50 native tree species including Live Oak, Texas Red Oak, Cedar Elm, Ashe Juniper, Mountain Laurel, Mexican Buc...
What Is the Fastest Growing Tree in Texas?
The Mexican Sycamore (Platanus mexicana) is one of the fastest growing trees in Texas, adding 3-5 feet per year. Other fast growers include Bald Cypre...
What Trees Can Survive Texas Heat?
Trees that survive extreme Texas heat (100°F+) include Live Oak, Cedar Elm, Desert Willow, Texas Mountain Laurel, Retama, Texas Persimmon, and Mexican...
What Fruit Trees Grow in San Antonio?
Fruit trees that grow well in San Antonio include Fig, Pomegranate, Meyer Lemon (with winter protection), Peach, Plum, Persimmon, and Mexican Plum. Ch...
What Evergreen Trees Grow in Central Texas?
Evergreen trees that grow well in Central Texas include Live Oak, Mountain Laurel, Yaupon Holly, Cherry Laurel, Southern Wax Myrtle, and Arizona Cypre...
What Is the Best Oak Tree for San Antonio?
The Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) is the best all-around oak for San Antonio — evergreen, drought-tolerant, massive shade canopy, and lives 200+ years...
What Small Trees Are Good for Front Yards in Texas?
The best small trees for Texas front yards (under 25 feet) include Desert Willow, Texas Redbud, Mexican Plum, Mexican Buckeye, Vitex, and Crape Myrtle...
How Often Should I Water a Newly Planted Tree?
Water a newly planted tree deeply every day for the first 2 weeks, then every 2-3 days for months 1-3, weekly for months 3-6, and bi-weekly for months...
How Deep Do You Dig a Hole for a Tree?
Dig a tree planting hole exactly as deep as the root ball and 2-3 times as wide. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the s...
When Is the Best Time to Plant a Tree in Texas?
The best time to plant a tree in Texas is fall (October through November). Roots establish during mild winter weather before the first summer. Spring ...
How Much Water Does a New Tree Need?
A newly planted tree needs approximately 1-1.5 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter per watering session. A typical 30-gallon container tree (2...
Why Are My Tree Leaves Turning Yellow?
Tree leaves turning yellow typically indicates overwatering, iron chlorosis (common in alkaline Hill Country soil), nutrient deficiency, or transplant...
How Long Does It Take for a Tree to Establish?
Most trees take 1-3 years to fully establish after planting, with the general rule being one year per inch of trunk diameter. During this time, consis...
Should I Stake a Newly Planted Tree?
Yes, most newly planted trees benefit from staking for 6-12 months, especially in windy areas. Use two stakes with flexible ties that allow trunk move...
What Is the Best Mulch for Trees in Texas?
The best mulch for trees in Texas is native hardwood mulch or composted cedar, applied 3-4 inches deep in a ring to the drip line, kept 6 inches from ...
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Tree Planted?
Professional tree planting in San Antonio costs $150-$300 for a 5-gallon tree, $450-$630 for a 30-45 gallon tree, and $1,400-$5,000+ for 95-200 gallon...
Where Can I Buy Native Trees in San Antonio?
You can buy native Texas trees in San Antonio from Hill Country Tree Company at hillcountrytree.com. We carry 50+ native species with professional del...
How Much Does a Live Oak Tree Cost?
A Live Oak tree costs $150 (5-gallon) to $5,000+ (200-gallon) depending on size. The most popular 30-45 gallon Live Oak costs $450-$630 installed with...
What Size Tree Should I Buy?
For most homeowners, a 30-45 gallon tree offers the best balance of immediate impact and value. Smaller trees (5-15 gallon) are affordable and establi...
Is It Worth Paying for Professional Tree Planting?
Yes — professionally planted trees have a significantly higher survival rate than DIY. Improper planting depth, insufficient hole width, and poor soil...
How Much Does Tree Delivery Cost?
Tree delivery in the San Antonio area costs $50 for local delivery (0-15 miles), $50 + $0.50/mile for 15-40 miles, and $37.50 + $0.75/mile for longer ...
How to Landscape with Native Texas Plants?
To landscape with native Texas plants, use a 3-layer approach: canopy trees (Live Oaks for shade), mid-story trees (Mountain Laurel for color), and gr...
How Many Trees Do I Need for Privacy?
For a solid privacy screen, plant evergreen trees 6-10 feet apart in a staggered double row. A 50-foot property line needs 8-12 trees. Best privacy tr...
What Plants Attract Hummingbirds in Texas?
The best hummingbird plants for Texas include Red Yucca, Flame Acanthus, Turk's Cap, Coral Honeysuckle, Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii), Desert Willow, a...
What Plants Attract Butterflies in Texas?
Native Texas plants that attract butterflies include Lantana, Milkweed (essential for Monarchs), Mistflower, Mexican Honeysuckle, Purple Coneflower, a...
How to Create a Xeriscape Yard in San Antonio?
To xeriscape in San Antonio, replace water-hungry turf with native trees (Live Oak, Desert Willow), native shrubs (Texas Sage, Agarita), ornamental gr...
What Is the Best Ground Cover for Texas Hill Country?
The best ground covers for Texas Hill Country include Horseherb, Asian Jasmine, Frogfruit, Silver Ponyfoot, and native sedges. These tolerate limeston...
Can I Plant Trees in the Hill Country in April?
Yes — April is still an excellent time to plant trees in the Texas Hill Country. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, container-grown trees can ...
95-Gallon Monterrey Oak Installation
A 95-gallon Monterrey Oak (Quercus polymorpha) in its nursery container, ready for delivery and installation. These fast-growing semi-evergreen oaks a...
95-Gallon Red Oak Installation
A 95-gallon Red Oak (Quercus shumardii) freshly delivered and ready for installation. These fast-growing native Texas oaks develop brilliant fall colo...
95-Gallon Burr Oak Installation — Spring Branch
A 95-gallon Burr Oak freshly planted in Spring Branch, TX. These massive native trees develop a legendary canopy and can live 300+ years. This install...
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