Tree & Shrub Planting and Care in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Quick answer

Healthy trees and shrubs in Dallas-Fort Worth start with correct planting: set the root flare at or slightly above grade, dig wide rather than deep, loosen circling roots, mulch away from the trunk, and water deeply through the first summer. Fall is generally the best planting season in North Texas, and oak pruning should follow Texas A&M Forest Service oak wilt guidance.

Last updated October 22, 2026

Shade is worth a lot in a Dallas-Fort Worth summer, and trees and shrubs are the long-term backbone of any landscape. Older neighborhoods have big live oaks, cedar elms and pecans; many newer subdivisions started with a couple of small trees per lot that are only now filling in. Either way, how trees and shrubs are planted and pruned decides how well they handle heat, drought and the occasional ice storm.

Planting it right

Plant at the right depth. The root flare, where the trunk widens at the base, should sit at or slightly above grade. Planting too deep is a leading cause of slow decline.
Dig wide, not deep. A hole two to three times as wide as the root ball. In heavy clay, avoid making a smooth-sided pit that holds water like a bowl. In thin soil over limestone, check depth to rock before choosing a large tree.
Loosen circling roots on container plants before planting.
Mulch correctly. A few inches of mulch, pulled back from the trunk, keeps roots cooler and holds moisture through summer. Avoid volcano mulching.
Water through establishment. New trees and shrubs need regular deep watering for at least their first summer. Drip, soaker hoses or a slow hand-held hose often work best and are treated differently from sprinklers under several cities' rules.

Best time to plant

Fall is generally the best season to plant trees and shrubs in North Texas. Roots keep growing in the mild months, so plants are better established before July heat. Spring planting works, but plan on closer watering.

Choosing trees and shrubs

Choose plants that handle heat, drought and alkaline soil. Texas SmartScape and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension both publish plant lists for the region. Skip plants the Texas A&M Forest Service lists as invasive in North Texas, such as Chinese privet and chinaberry, and think about mature size before planting near the house, driveway or power lines.

Pruning basics

Remove dead, damaged, crossing and rubbing branches first.
Prune spring-flowering shrubs soon after they bloom so you don't remove next year's flowers.
Avoid shearing every shrub into a box; it thins the plant and cuts flowering.
Never top trees. Topping creates weak regrowth and decay.
Crape myrtles don't need to be cut back to stubs each winter.
Oaks are vulnerable to oak wilt, a serious disease in Texas. The Texas A&M Forest Service publishes guidance on when to avoid pruning oaks and how to treat fresh cuts; ask your company to follow it.

Large trees and removals

Landscaping companies commonly plant trees and care for shrubs and small ornamental trees. Large tree pruning, removals and work near power lines are better handled by a tree service with the right equipment and insurance, ideally with an ISA Certified Arborist. Some DFW cities regulate tree removal, especially during development or on protected trees, so check with your city before taking down a large tree.

Watch for common problems

Drought and heat stress in late summer, especially on new plantings
Iron chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins) on plants that don't like alkaline soil
Freeze damage on marginally hardy shrubs after a hard winter

Your county AgriLife Extension office can help identify plant problems. When you're ready, request a landscaping company in Dallas-Fort Worth for planting or shrub care.

Frequently asked questions

When should I prune oak trees in North Texas?

Oak wilt is a serious disease of oaks in Texas, and pruning timing affects the risk of spreading it. Follow the Texas A&M Forest Service oak wilt guidance on pruning season and treating fresh cuts, or hire an ISA Certified Arborist who knows it.

Why are my shrub leaves yellow with green veins?

That pattern often points to iron chlorosis, common on plants that don't like alkaline soil. A soil test and switching to plants adapted to North Texas soils are usually better long-term fixes than repeated treatments.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Some DFW cities regulate tree removal, especially on lots under development or for certain protected trees. Rules vary, so check with your city before removing a large tree.

Sources and further reading

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