What are the Best Trees to Grow in Texas?
If you’re thinking about planting trees in your yard, choosing the right ones for the Texas climate is key. Texas weather can be tough — hot summers, occasional droughts, and unpredictable storms. Not all trees can handle it, which is why it’s important to pick trees that are both beautiful and tough enough to thrive here.
In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the best trees to grow in Texas, why they’re great choices, and which ones to avoid if you want a healthy, low-maintenance yard.
Easiest Trees to Grow in Texas
1. Live Oak: Live Oaks are a Texas classic. They’re strong, long-living, and provide lots of shade with their wide, spreading branches. These trees are drought-tolerant once established and can handle Texas heat like pros. Plus, they look great year-round with their evergreen leaves.
2. Texas Red Oak: Also known as Shumard Oak, this tree is great for adding bold fall color to your yard. It grows quickly and is very adaptable to different soil types. It handles dry spells well and grows strong, making it a great option for long-term shade and curb appeal.
3. Cedar Elm: Cedar Elms are super tough and low-maintenance. They do well in urban areas and can grow in both wet and dry conditions. Their thick canopy makes them a great shade tree, and they’re resistant to most pests and diseases.
4. Mexican Plum: Looking for a smaller tree? Mexican Plum is a beautiful flowering tree that’s perfect for Texas yards. It blooms in early spring with white flowers, produces small fruit, and tolerates both heat and drought. It’s also great for attracting birds and pollinators.
Why These Trees Grow Best in Texas
Texas-friendly trees are:
- Drought-tolerant: They can handle hot, dry summers without constant watering.
- Low-maintenance: Less trimming, fewer pest problems, and better durability.
- Soil adaptable: Many Texas soils are clay-heavy or rocky, and these trees can thrive in them.
- Storm-hardy: These trees tend to have strong root systems and flexible branches that stand up well to Texas storms and wind.
By planting trees that are suited for the Texas climate, you save time, money, and effort — and your yard will look better for it.
Trees To Avoid in Texas
Not every tree is cut out for life in Texas. Here are a few that often struggle:
- Silver Maple: Grows fast, but weak wood and shallow roots make it prone to storm damage.
- Bradford Pear: Pretty in bloom, but tends to split easily and doesn’t hold up well long-term.
- Ash Trees: Susceptible to pests and diseases, especially the Emerald Ash Borer.
- Birch Trees: Need cooler temperatures and more water than Texas usually provides.
These trees might look nice at first, but they often come with high maintenance, short lifespans, and unexpected problems down the road.
We Can Help!
When it comes to planting trees in Texas, going with native or heat-tolerant species is always the smart move. Trees like Live Oak, Texas Red Oak, Cedar Elm, and Mexican Plum not only survive the Texas climate — they thrive in it.
If you’re looking to add trees to your landscape but aren’t sure where to start, Green Horizon Landscaping & Lawn Care is here to help. From choosing the right trees to planting and ongoing care, we make the process easy and stress-free.
Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you create a beautiful, shade-filled yard that lasts for years to come!