- 6 Best Trees to Plant in Houston<\/a>
- 1. Nuttall Oak (Quercus texana)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Drake Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata)<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Why Not Pecan, Texas\u2019 State Tree?<\/a><\/li>
- Why Not Live Oaks?<\/a><\/li>
- When to Bring In a Professional Service<\/a><\/li>
- FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
6 Best Trees to Plant in Houston<\/h2>
1. Nuttall Oak (Quercus texana<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Quercus_texana\"](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/800px-Quercus_texana_kz06.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you are interested in large trees, the nuttall oak (pictured above) is a red oak that is native to the Houston area. According to Skip Richter, Horticulturist for the Texas AgriLife Extension<\/a> and Harris County Extension agent, the nuttall oak is one of the best large shade trees to plant in Houston.<\/p>
\u201cThe nuttall oak<\/a> puts up well with the soggy, wet soil we experience here in Houston,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not easy to find because the market doesn\u2019t demand it. The Shumard oak is a red oak that\u2019s popular here, but the nuttall is a better choice because it\u2019s so tolerant of our soggy, clay soil.\u201d<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Houston sits in the USDA hardiness zone<\/a> 9a, but the area just north of the city is in 8b.<\/p>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 6b-8b<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, with 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Clay, loam, sandy. Acidic. Moist, wet, well-drained.<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> 40-80 feet tall; 35-50 feet wide<\/li>
- Moisture requirements:<\/strong> Tolerant of poorly-drained, wet sites<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Once established, needs little maintenance<\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Deciduous <\/li>
- Flowers: <\/strong>In March and April, a yellow-green catkins (pollen-producing) cluster, as is standard for oaks<\/li> <\/ul>
2. Drake Elm (Ulmus parvifolia<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Ulmus](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Ulmus_parvifolia_in_Golden_Valley_Tree_Park_May_2022_01.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Calistemon<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The best fast-growing and shade-providing tree you can plant in Houston is the drake elm<\/a>, also known as the Chinese elm. While this beautiful tree is underutilized in neighborhoods, it is seen quite often in shopping strips. Its distinguishing feature is its bark, which flakes off in colors of gray and orange.<\/p>
Skip Richter recommends this tree for several reasons. \u201cIt\u2019s tolerant of crummy conditions, and it is really pretty,\u201d he said. \u201cThe drake elm provides light shade and your grass around this tree has a better chance of survival.\u201d<\/p>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 7b-10b<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Clay, loam, sand. Acidic, alkaline. Well-drained, occasionally wet.<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> 35-45 feet tall; 35-50 feet wide<\/li>
- Moisture requirements:<\/strong> Drought tolerant with moderate water requirements<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Relatively low<\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Evergreen in warm climates, deciduous elsewhere<\/li>
- Flowers: <\/strong>Dark green that turn to yellow and reddish purple in the fall<\/li> <\/ul>
3. Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"mandarin](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mandarin_Oranges_Citrus_Reticulata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joe Ravi<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you\u2019re looking for a good fruit tree to plant in your yard, try a mandarin orange tree. (Sure, some might argue that persimmon trees are the best because of how well they grow, but have you ever tasted a persimmon? Ick!)<\/p>
Now, there are two main types of orange trees<\/a> available, mandarin (Citrus reticulata<\/em>) and sweet (Citrus sinensis). Although sweet orange trees like Valencia and naval sound tempting, they don\u2019t hold up well to the occasional cold winter snaps we experience in Houston. Mandarin orange trees like satsumas and clementine are tolerant of both Houston soil and the occasional cold spell.<\/p>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 9a-11<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Clay, loam, sand. Acidic, slightly alkaline. Well-drained.<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> 12-30 feet tall; 15-25 feet wide<\/li>
- Moisture requirements:<\/strong> Needs watering weekly, from rain or manually<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Needs time and attention. Water regularly. Prune and fertilize every year. Monitor for pests and diseases.<\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Evergreen<\/li>
- Flowers: <\/strong>White, small (about half-inch in diameter) with five petals<\/li> <\/ul>
4. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Cercis](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cercis_canadensis_2021-04-24_Fox_Chapel_01-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Cbaile19<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The Eastern redbud tree (Cercis canadensis<\/em>) is a beautiful, small, flowering tree that blooms pink flower clusters in early spring around the same time as the azaleas. It\u2019s drought-tolerant, adaptable to most types of soil and reaches heights of around 20-30 feet when it is fully mature. In autumn, the Eastern redbud<\/a> is one of the small trees that provides great fall color with pretty shades of yellow.<\/p>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 4b-9a<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial sun, or partial shade<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Clay, loam, sand. Alkaline, acidic. Occasionally wet, well-drained.<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> 20-30 feet tall; 15-25 feet wide<\/li>
- Moisture requirements:<\/strong> Can withstand drought but grows best if it is watered until it is moist.<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>Very little maintenance is needed, which is why the trees are popular. You might mulch around the base to retain moisture, and prune away dead branches.<\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Deciduous<\/li>
- Flowers: <\/strong>Though the name is \u201credbud,\u201d the flowers are variations of pink or purple.<\/li> <\/ul>
5. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Magnolia](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/800px-Magnolia_grandiflora_Piazzo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: <\/a>Syrio<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> The Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora<\/em>) is an evergreen tree that\u2019s common in Houston \u2014 and for good reason. It is elegant and stately and produces beautiful, fragrant white flowers each spring. This tree\u2019s leaves are dark and dense and offer great privacy. <\/p>
Avoid planting the Southern magnolia<\/a> tree in your front yard, however, if you\u2019d like to show off the front of your home because its thick leaves will obstruct the view.<\/p>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 7a-10a<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Clay, loams, sand, loam. Slightly alkaline, acidic. Wet at times, well-drained.<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> 60-80 feet tall; 30-40 feet wide<\/li>
- Moisture requirements<\/strong>: Low drought tolerance. Does not survive in flooded conditions, but can tolerate high levels of moisture.<\/li>
- Maintenance:<\/strong> If not pruned, the lower branches will reach the ground. The Southern Magnolia drops leaves in the spring and seedpods in late summer, which in most locations (yards, streets, sidewalks) calls for raking. <\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Evergreen<\/li>
- Flowers<\/strong>: Giant, fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom in summer. The flowers sit in leaves that are dark green and considered to be quite attractive.<\/li> <\/ul>
6. Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Washingtonia_robusta\"](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Arecales_-_Washingtonia_robusta_-_2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Em\u0151ke D\u00e9nes<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Houston summers are hot, no doubt. And many Texans have pools<\/a> in their backyards, which most likely means that the trees of choice are palms<\/a>. While the queen palm is very popular, the Mexican fan palm is a better choice. Mexican fan palms<\/a> grow fast, and unlike other varieties of palm trees, they are very tolerant of both the Houston droughts and the occasional cold freezes.<\/p>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 9a-11b<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial sun<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Loam, sand. Acidic, neutral. Needs drainage, can be dry at times.<\/li>
- Mature size:<\/strong> 50-100 feet tall; 8-10 feet wide<\/li>
- Moisture requirements:<\/strong> Drought, wind, and salt tolerant. Be sure the soil is well-drained.<\/li>
- Maintenance: <\/strong>So fast-growing it reaches heights of 70 to 100 feet, often making it too tall for a yard. Prune<\/a> once a year, but lightly. Leave at least the top third of the canopy. Be careful if you prune; if you are on a ladder, fronds are known to fall on you.<\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Evergreen<\/li>
- Flowers: <\/strong>Cream-colored and in large clusters. Slight fragrance. <\/li>
- Pro Tip<\/strong>: Check out How to Landscape With Palm Trees<\/a> for more tips on using these majestic trees around your home.<\/li> <\/ul>
Why Not Pecan, Texas\u2019 State Tree?<\/strong><\/h2>
You might be asking why the pecan tree isn\u2019t on this list. After all, this Texas tree is the state tree. <\/p>
\u201cPecan is not a good tree for Houston,\u201d says Richter. \u201cPecan trees are found along river bottoms, and they like deep alluvial soil, not the black clay soil common here. Plus, they are kind of messy and have a good chance of breaking in a hurricane or strong storm.\u201d<\/p>
![\"Skip](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Skip-Ricther-headshot-300x300.jpg\")
Skip Richter<\/figcaption><\/figure> Why Not Live Oaks?<\/strong><\/h2>
As for live oaks (Quercus virginiana<\/em>), yes, they are beautiful and abundant here in Houston, but as Richter put it, \u201cMost people want trees and<\/em> a lawn. Trees shade out grass, and grass steals nutrients from trees.\u201d It\u2019s very difficult to grow grass in Houston<\/a> under a live oak tree. Richter recommends the drake elm for those wanting both grass and trees.<\/p>
Here are a few other trees that are among the worst trees to plant in Houston<\/a>:<\/p>
- Ash<\/li>
- Bradford Pear<\/li>
- Hackberry<\/li>
- Japanese blueberry<\/li>
- Mimosa<\/li>
- Mulberry<\/li> <\/ul>
When to Bring In a Professional Service<\/strong><\/h2>
Planting a tree or two can be a rewarding, sometimes even fun, DIY activity. But if you are making a major investment in your Houston landscaping<\/a>, or hope to make a major improvement in the value of your home or property, it is often worth calling in a professional service<\/a>.<\/p>
- A major cause of tree mortality<\/strong> in managed yards and spaces has been improper planting techniques<\/strong>. You want to prepare the soil, add nutrients, and free the root base.
<\/li>- Planting at the wrong depth <\/strong>is common. Too deep<\/strong>: The roots might grow around the ball, strangling the tree. Too shallow<\/strong>: The tree might topple.
<\/li>- You want to be careful about how close to your house <\/strong>you plant a tree. Too close and the roots have trouble finding nutrients, putting the tree at risk of falling<\/strong> (say, in a storm) \u2026 right on to your house.
<\/li>- Planting guidelines keep evolving.<\/strong> A professional stays on top of them, especially on diseases that are moving into your area or trees that have been found to have a problem in your area.<\/li> <\/ul>
The cost of planting a tree, a LawnStarter review<\/a> finds, can be as much as $3,000<\/strong> for each large, mature tree. There are often bulk rates, though. Hiring a professional service to plant a group of a few small trees will cost about $2,000<\/strong>, a price that includes materials and labor, the Lawnstarer review found.<\/p>
FAQ<\/strong>s<\/h2>
When Should I Plant Trees in Houston?The best time to plant trees in the Houston area is the period from the middle of November until late February. Planting during this period allows roots to become established before the dry, hot days of summer.<\/p> <\/div>
When Should I Start to Prune a New Tree?Any pruning on a new tree<\/a> should be delayed until the second year after planting, and even then should likely be limited to lower branches.<\/p> <\/div>
Are There Any Tree Diseases I Should Worry About?Oak wilt disease is destructive and is spreading fast through Texas. Oak wilt<\/a> is an infectious disease caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum<\/em>. It is spread<\/a> above ground by beetles and below ground when roots of an infected tree cross paths with roots from a healthy one.<\/p> <\/div>
Worried About Power Lines?The best small trees for Houston<\/strong>, in addition to the redbud and the mandarin orange:
- Planting at the wrong depth <\/strong>is common. Too deep<\/strong>: The roots might grow around the ball, strangling the tree. Too shallow<\/strong>: The tree might topple.
- A major cause of tree mortality<\/strong> in managed yards and spaces has been improper planting techniques<\/strong>. You want to prepare the soil, add nutrients, and free the root base.
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial sun<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial sun, or partial shade<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, with 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day<\/li>
- 2. Drake Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)<\/a><\/li>
- 1. Nuttall Oak (Quercus texana)<\/a><\/li>