Tree & Shrub Planting and Care in Houston, TX

Quick answer

Healthy trees and shrubs in Houston start with the right plant in the right spot, planted at or slightly above grade on clay, mulched and watered through establishment. Fall and winter are generally the best planting times. Prune for structure and storm resistance, avoid topping, and check city and HOA rules before removing a large tree.

Last updated October 22, 2026

Trees are a big part of what makes Houston livable in summer, and many neighborhoods are known for their live oaks, pines and other shade trees. They also face real stress here: hurricane and tropical storm winds, saturated soil that can loosen roots, drought years that weaken them, and construction that damages roots. Good planting and regular, correct pruning help trees and shrubs survive all of it.

Planting trees and shrubs the right way

Pick the right spot. Check the tree's mature height and spread, and keep large trees away from the foundation, sewer line and power lines.
Watch the drainage. Many trees struggle in a low spot that stays wet. On heavy clay, planting slightly high so the root flare sits above grade is common practice.
Dig wide, not deep. The hole should be wider than the root ball but no deeper, so the tree does not settle.
Loosen circling roots. Container-grown plants often have roots wrapped around the pot.
Mulch, but keep it off the trunk. A few inches of mulch over the root zone, pulled back from the bark.
Water through establishment. New trees and shrubs need regular water for their first year or more, especially in a Houston summer.

In the Houston area, fall and winter are generally the best times to plant trees and shrubs, because roots can grow while temperatures are mild.

Pruning and storm preparation

Prune to remove dead, broken or crossing branches and to improve structure. Avoid topping, which leads to weak regrowth.
Thinning a dense canopy can help it handle wind, but heavy stripping of interior branches can do more harm than good.
Pruning near power lines is a job for your electric provider or a qualified line-clearance arborist, not a homeowner or general landscaper.
After a storm, have a professional evaluate split trunks, large hanging limbs and trees that have started to lean.

For large trees, look for an ISA Certified Arborist. Texas does not have a general state license for tree work, so certification and insurance are the best checks.

Oak care and disease

Live oaks are common in the Houston area. Texas A&M Forest Service advises against pruning or wounding oaks during the spring period when oak wilt spreads most easily in the parts of Texas where the disease is found, and to paint fresh oak wounds. Ask your company how they handle oak pruning timing.

Shrubs and foundation plantings

Overgrown foundation shrubs are one of the most common reasons people call a landscaper. Rather than shearing them back hard each year, it often makes sense to replace them with plants whose mature size fits the space. Consider raised beds where water collects along the slab.

Rules on tree removal

Rules vary by city. Trees in the public right-of-way, such as the strip between the sidewalk and street, are often regulated by the city, and some cities and HOAs restrict removing trees on private lots. The Woodlands and many master-planned communities have their own requirements. Check with your city and HOA before removing a large tree.

Questions to ask

Is there an ISA Certified Arborist on staff for tree work?
How will you protect my lawn, beds and sprinklers?
Do you guarantee new plantings, and for how long?
Can you provide a certificate of insurance?

Ready to plant or prune? Request a Houston-area tree and shrub company.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to plant trees in Houston?

Fall and winter are generally best, because roots can grow during mild weather before summer heat. Spring planting works with careful watering.

Should I thin my trees before hurricane season?

Removing dead, weak and crossing branches can help. Over-thinning can make trees more vulnerable. Have an ISA Certified Arborist evaluate large trees near the house.

Is Chinese tallow a good shade tree?

No. Chinese tallow is a documented invasive species that spreads into wet areas, ditches and stream banks and crowds out native plants. Choose a native or well-adapted tree instead.

Sources and further reading

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