It’s Not Too Late to Plant a Tree in Central Texas!
Planting native tree species is one of the best ways to give back to our environment, and in Central Texas, the window of opportunity is wide open from October 1 to March 31. So if you’ve been thinking, “It’s too late to plant,” think again! This cooler season is the perfect time to establish strong, healthy roots for your future shade trees.
Here’s how you can plant and nurture a 5-gallon tree to thrive in our rugged yet beautiful landscape.
Planting Made Simple
- Dig a Roomy Hole
Make a hole 1.5 to 2 times as wide as the root ball and just as deep. - Prep the Roots
Loosen up the root ball gently with your fingers and check for any circling roots that might choke the tree as it grows. - Perfect Placement
Set your sapling in the hole so the base of the trunk (the “root flare”) is at ground level. The root flare should be visible, not buried. - Fill It Up
Refill the hole with native soil, tamping it lightly without compacting it too much. - Mulch Magic
Add a 2-3” thick layer of mulch, leaving about 2” of space around the trunk. Extend the mulch out 6-12” to suppress weeds and lock in moisture. - Water Wisely
Right after planting, give your tree a good soak with 10-15 gallons of water. Continue to water weekly for the first three years, weather and restrictions permitting. Even 5 gallons a week can make a big difference!
Protecting Your Tree
Central Texas winters and wildlife can pose challenges, but with a little preparation, your tree will thrive:
- Freeze Protection:
- Water before a freeze to help stabilize the tree’s temperature.
- Mulch acts as a natural insulator for roots.
- Small trees can be covered with frost cloth or moving blankets secured to the ground.
- Deer Defense:
- Use a sturdy wire mesh fence at least 2 feet from the trunk and 3-4 feet high to keep deer at bay. Alternatively, plastic trunk guards work well for smaller trees.
- To Stake or Not to Stake:
- Avoid staking unless absolutely necessary. Trees develop stronger trunks by swaying naturally in the wind.
Why Plant Trees Now?
Planting in cooler months gives trees the chance to grow deep roots before the summer heat sets in. They’ll be better prepared to thrive in our often unpredictable Central Texas climate. Plus, you’ll reap the rewards of shade, improved air quality, and natural beauty for years to come.
So, grab your gloves, pick your favorite tree species, and get planting. It’s not too late to make a lasting impact on our environment and your community.
Happy planting! 🌳