Planting the right trees in North Texas means selecting species that can handle our hot summers, occasional freezes, and clay-heavy soils. The good news? There are plenty of attractive, hardy trees that thrive here and offer shade, color, and curb appeal. Here are some of the best trees to consider for your North Texas landscape:
1. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
Live Oaks are iconic in Texas for a reason. These evergreen trees provide dense, year-round shade and are incredibly drought-tolerant once established. Their wide canopies make them ideal for large yards.
2. Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia)
A native favorite, Cedar Elms are known for their adaptability. They handle both drought and occasional wet spells with ease and offer vibrant yellow foliage in the fall.
3. Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi)
Also known as Buckley’s Oak, this smaller cousin of the Shumard Oak offers brilliant red fall color and thrives in North Texas soils. It’s a great choice for residential landscapes.
4. Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana)
If you’re looking for something smaller with seasonal interest, the Mexican Plum is a winner. It blooms with fragrant white flowers in early spring and produces small, edible fruit.
5. Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
This oak is both beautiful and practical. It tolerates alkaline soils and grows into a stately shade tree with attractive bark and rounded canopy.
6. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Perfect for smaller spaces, this drought-tolerant tree boasts trumpet-shaped blooms in summer and attracts hummingbirds. It’s low-maintenance and loves the heat.
Final Thoughts
Choosing native or well-adapted trees helps ensure long-term success in your landscape. They require less water, resist local pests, and tolerate our unpredictable weather.
Need help maintaining trees in your yard? Go to our Tree Trimming service page for details.
