When to Plant Trees
in Texas

Timing matters. Plant at the right time and your tree practically takes care of itself. Plant at the wrong time and you are fighting an uphill battle with heat stress, extra watering, and a tree that struggles to establish. Here is the honest breakdown for Central Texas — no fluff, just what works.

Fall (October - November)

BEST TIME

This is the golden window for tree planting in Texas, and here is why: the soil is still warm from summer (which roots love), but the air temperature is cooling down (which means less stress on the tree above ground). Your tree spends the entire fall and winter growing roots without having to support leaves or fight heat stress.

By the time the first hot day rolls around in April or May, a fall-planted tree has 5 to 6 months of root growth banked. That gives it a massive head start over a tree planted in spring, and an even bigger advantage over a summer planting.

Fall Planting Tips:

  • October is ideal. Soil is warm, temps are mild, and fall rains usually kick in.
  • Water deeply at planting, then every 3 to 5 days for the first month. The cooler temps mean less evaporation.
  • Mulch generously — 3 to 4 inches in a ring around the tree. This insulates roots during winter cold snaps.
  • No fertilizer. Let the tree focus on root growth, not top growth.

Spring (February - March)

2ND BEST

Spring is the second-best window. The weather is gentle, spring rains help with establishment, and you have a few months of mild temps before summer heat hits. February through mid-March is the sweet spot — after the risk of hard freezes but before it gets hot.

The downside? Your tree has less time to establish roots before summer stress. A spring-planted tree needs more attention during its first summer compared to a fall-planted one.

Spring Planting Tips:

  • Plant early. February or early March gives maximum root establishment time before heat.
  • Watch late freezes. San Antonio usually gets its last freeze by mid-March, but cold snaps can surprise you.
  • Plan for summer watering. Your spring-planted tree will need consistent water through its first summer.

Winter (December - January)

GOOD

Winter planting works great in Central Texas — especially for dormant deciduous trees. The tree is "sleeping," which means transplant shock is minimal. Roots still grow slowly through our mild winters (our soil rarely freezes), and the tree wakes up in spring already in the ground and ready to go.

The main risk is hard freezes. We usually get a few nights in the 20s, and occasionally something like the 2021 Winter Storm Uri. Proper mulching protects roots during these events.

Winter Planting Tips:

  • Great for deciduous trees (oaks, elms, cypress) that are already dormant.
  • Mulch heavily — at least 4 inches — to insulate roots against freezing temps.
  • Still water! People forget, but winter-planted trees need water too. Once a week if it has not rained.

Summer (June - September)

AVOID IF POSSIBLE

Can you plant in summer? Technically yes. Should you? Only if you have to. Summer planting in Central Texas means 100+ degree temps, high evaporation, and a tree that is trying to establish roots while also dealing with extreme heat stress. It can be done, but it requires significantly more water and attention.

If you must plant in summer, container-grown trees handle it better than balled-and-burlapped. Water daily for the first few weeks, and expect the tree to look stressed before it looks happy. We do plant in summer when customers need it — we just make sure the watering plan is dialed in.

If You Must Plant in Summer:

  • Water daily for the first 2 weeks, then every other day for a month.
  • Mulch heavily — it reduces soil temperature and holds moisture.
  • Water in the morning, before 10 AM. Evening watering can promote fungal issues.
  • Choose drought-tolerant species like Live Oak, Desert Willow, or Texas Mountain Laurel that handle heat stress better.

What to Do After Planting

No matter what season you plant, the first year of care determines whether your tree thrives or struggles. Here is the quick version:

Watering Schedule

  • Weeks 1-2: Water deeply every day
  • Months 1-3: Every 2-3 days
  • Months 3-6: Weekly deep watering
  • Months 6-12: Every 2 weeks
  • Year 2+: Rainfall usually sufficient

Maintenance

  • Keep mulch 3-4 inches deep, 6 inches from trunk
  • Remove stakes after 6-12 months
  • Do not fertilize the first year
  • Refresh mulch annually
  • Watch for signs of stress (yellowing, wilting)

For a complete first-year care breakdown, check out our New Tree Care Guide.

Ready to Plant? We Deliver and Install Year-Round.

Browse our live inventory with real-time pricing. Every tree includes professional delivery and installation to Texas A&M planting guidelines — enriched soil, proper staking, and a mulch ring included.

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