Best Trees to Plant in North Texas: A Guide to Beautiful, Sustainable Landscaping

When it comes to creating a beautiful, long-lasting landscape in North Texas, choosing the right trees is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. With Dallas–Fort Worth’s intense summers, unpredictable storms, and clay-heavy soil, not every tree species will thrive here. That’s why selecting trees that are well-adapted to the region is key to growing a resilient, low-maintenance, and sustainable landscape.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best trees to plant in North Texas—both native and well-acclimated species—along with planting tips, long-term care recommendations, and insights from TreeNewal’s certified arborists. Whether you’re looking to boost curb appeal, create shade, or improve property value, the right tree makes all the difference.

Why Tree Selection Matters in North Texas

North Texas presents unique challenges for trees:

• Clay-rich soil can lead to poor drainage and root stress
• Extreme heat and drought put pressure on non-native species
• Sudden storms and strong winds test a tree’s structural stability
• Urban development adds compaction, pollution, and space limitations

By choosing trees suited for these conditions, you’ll enjoy lower maintenance, better performance, and healthier landscapes. That’s why TreeNewal recommends selecting from a list of proven performers in the Dallas area.

Benefits of Planting the Right Trees

Choosing the right tree isn’t just about survival—it’s about maximizing value and beauty. Here’s what the right tree can do:

• Provide shade that lowers home energy costs
• Add curb appeal and property value
• Support local wildlife and pollinators
• Improve air quality and reduce stormwater runoff
• Create a long-lasting legacy in your landscape
• A well-placed, well-chosen tree will continue giving back for decades to come.

Top Native and Well-Adapted Trees for North Texas

Here are some of the best trees for Dallas-area landscapes, handpicked by TreeNewal’s certified arborists:

1. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

Mature Size: 40–60 ft tall and wide
Growth Rate: Moderate

Benefits:

• Iconic Texas shade tree
• Extremely wind-resistant
• Long lifespan and excellent structure

Considerations:

• Needs room to grow
• May require periodic pruning for clearance

2. Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia)

Mature Size: 50–70 ft tall
Growth Rate: Medium to fast

Benefits:

• Drought-tolerant and pest-resistant
• Great for urban and compact sites
• Yellow fall color

Considerations:

• Drops small leaves in fall

3. Shumard Red Oak (Quercus shumardii)

Mature Size: 50–75 ft tall
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Benefits:

• Brilliant red fall foliage
• Strong branch structur
• Tolerates a variety of soils

Considerations:

• Needs regular watering when young

4. Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana)

Mature Size: 15–25 ft tall
Growth Rate: Medium

Benefits:

• Fragrant spring blooms
• Great for small yards and pollinators
• Native and well-adapted

Considerations:

• Shorter lifespan compared to larger shade trees

5. Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)

Mature Size: 35–50 ft tall
Growth Rate: Moderate

Benefits:

• Bright red-orange fall color
• Thrives in heat and poor soils
• Excellent structural form

Considerations:

• Not native but very well-acclimated

6. Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis)

Mature Size: 15–25 ft tall
Growth Rate: Medium

Benefits:

• Beautiful magenta-pink flowers in spring
• Compact and ornamental
• Drought-tolerant once established

Considerations:

• Prefers part sun and good drainage

7. Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

Mature Size: 40–60 ft tall
Growth Rate: Moderate

Benefits:

• Great shade tree with bright green foliage
• Thrives in limestone and alkaline soils
• Long-lived and low-maintenance

Considerations:

• Requires proper spacing

Factors to Consider When Planting

1. Site Conditions

Analyze soil drainage, sunlight exposure, and available space. Some trees prefer full sun, while others tolerate part shade. Consider how large the tree will be in 20–30 years—not just today.

2. Purpose of the Tree

Are you planting for shade? Beauty? Privacy? Wildlife? Your goals should guide your selection.

3. Soil and Watering

Dallas-area soils often need amending before planting. TreeNewal can provide soil testing and recommendations for optimal tree establishment.

Best Time of Year to Plant Trees in Dallas

The ideal time to plant trees in North Texas is fall through early spring. Cooler temperatures reduce stress on new trees, and root systems have time to establish before summer heat sets in.

Planting in fall (October–December) allows the roots to grow steadily all winter and emerge strong come spring.

Tree Planting Tips for Long-Term Success

Proper planting is just as important as choosing the right species. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Dig wide, not deep. The hole should be 2–3 times the width of the root ball, but only as deep.
2. Locate the root flare. Plant so the root flare (where trunk meets roots) is just above the soil line.
3. Backfill with native soil. Avoid potting mixes or heavy amendments.
4. Mulch wisely. Apply 2–4 inches of mulch in a doughnut shape around the base—never pile it against the trunk.
5. Water deeply and regularly. Especially important in the first 2–3 years.

TreeNewal’s team offers professional tree planting services with arborist-led guidance, ensuring your investment gets the healthiest possible start.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overplanting: Too many trees too close together leads to competition and poor growth
• Wrong location: Planting under power lines or too close to foundations can create future hazards
• Ignoring mature size: Small now doesn’t mean small later
• Improper pruning: Early pruning mistakes can lead to structural weakness or decay

Want to avoid all these issues? Schedule a planting consultation with TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists.

How TreeNewal Can Help

TreeNewal isn’t just a tree care company—we’re a full-service team of certified arborists dedicated to helping Dallas-area homeowners and property managers make the best long-term choices for their landscapes. Our planting services include:

• Tree species selection based on site conditions and goals
• Soil preparation and health evaluation
• Expert tree installation using industry best practices
• Post-planting maintenance plans for watering, mulching, and pruning
• Ongoing tree care, including disease diagnosis, pruning, fertilization, and root management

Whether you’re adding one tree or planning a full landscape installation, TreeNewal is your trusted local expert.

Plant with Purpose

Planting the right tree is an investment in your home, your community, and your future. In a climate as tough as North Texas, success starts with knowledge, preparation, and professional support.

If you’re ready to enhance your landscape with the best trees for North Texas, let TreeNewal guide the process from start to finish. With the right tree in the right place—and the right care—you’ll enjoy shade, beauty, and value for generations.

Looking to plant trees in Dallas or surrounding areas?
Contact TreeNewal at (817) 329-2450 or visit www.treenewal.com to schedule a consultation with one of our ISA Certified Arborists.

We’ll help you plant smart, grow strong, and enjoy the benefits of healthy trees for years to come.