🌳 What Trees Should You Plant in Central Texas? An Expert Arborist’s Guide

If you're trying to decide what trees to plant in Central Texas, you're not alone. Whether you're a new homeowner or updating your landscape after a storm, choosing the right tree can feel overwhelming — especially with Texas' unpredictable climate and hundreds of nursery options.

At Tree Scouts Tree Service, we’ve helped countless property owners make tree planting decisions they feel confident about. Our certified arborists don't just recommend trees that look good — we recommend trees that last.

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🌞 Drought and Freeze Resistant Trees for Texas Weather

With blazing summers and surprise freezes now part of the norm in Central and South Texas, drought resistance and freeze tolerance should be your first priority when choosing trees.

We often get asked:

“What trees will survive Texas weather?”

Our team can help you choose species that are proven to handle harsh conditions. Whether you’re planting for shade, privacy, or aesthetics, we’ll match your goals with trees that won’t quit when the temperature spikes — or drops below freezing.

🌱 Native vs. Non-Native Trees: Which Is Better?

When it comes to planting trees in Texas, the choice between native and non-native species matters.

Native trees tend to:

• Require less water
• Thrive in Texas soil
• Support local wildlife
• Resist local pests and diseases

While some non-native trees like Crape Myrtle can behave well, others spread aggressively or struggle in local conditions. Our general recommendation: stick with native when possible — and when in doubt, ask a certified arborist.

🦠 Best Trees for Avoiding Common Texas Tree Diseases

Disease resistance is a major factor in long-term tree health, especially in areas prone to oak wilt, root rot, or invasive pests.

For example, Cedar Elm is a fantastic choice in oak wilt zones, offering beautiful canopy and strong disease resistance.

Other great disease-resistant options:

• Texas Redbud
• Mexican Sycamore
• Bur Oak

Need help identifying disease risks in your area? We’re happy to walk your property and offer tailored guidance.

💰 Tree Size and Price: What Should You Buy?

From 5-gallon saplings to 200-gallon giants, nurseries offer a wide range of tree sizes. But bigger isn’t always better.

Why we recommend 45-gallon trees:

• Typically 8–12 feet tall
• Strong survival rate
• Visually impactful without transplant shock
• Ideal balance of cost, size, and longevity

We’ll help you choose a tree that fits your property and your budget — without sacrificing future growth.

📅 When’s the Best Time to Plant Trees in Texas?

Timing is critical when planting trees in Central Texas. To give your tree the best start:

Plant in spring or fall.

Avoid planting in the peak of summer (extreme heat) or winter (frost risk). Planting in the shoulder seasons allows roots to establish before extreme weather hits.

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✅ Best Trees to Plant in Central Texas

Here’s a list of recommended native trees that thrive in Texas and are frequently used in Austin, Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and beyond:

Small to Medium Native Trees:

• Texas Mountain Laurel
• Anacacho Orchid
• Mexican Buckeye
• Desert Willow
• Possumhaw Holly
• Yaupon Holly
• Texas Redbud
• Texas Persimmon
• Retama

Large Shade Trees for Texas:

• Live Oak
• Cedar Elm
• Monterrey Oak
• Bur Oak
• Chinkapin Oak
• Western Soapberry
• American Elm
• Mexican Sycamore
• Anacua

Non-Native Options That Work (With Caution):

• Crape Myrtle
• Bradford Pear (use sparingly; not great for long-term sustainability)

🚫 Trees We Don’t Recommend Planting in Central Texas

Some trees are more trouble than they’re worth due to disease risk, invasive spread, or poor long-term health. Avoid planting:

• Red Oak (oak wilt vulnerability)
• Arizona Ash
• Chinese Tallow
• Chinaberry
• Ligustrum
• Tree of Heaven
• Pecan (finicky care needs)
• White Mulberry

🤝 Work With a Certified Arborist in Austin and Central Texas

At Tree Scouts Tree Service, we treat planting trees with the same care and integrity we bring to trimming and removals. Whether you're recovering from a storm or planning your next landscape project, we’ll help you:

• Choose the best tree for your soil, space, and goals
• Avoid costly mistakes
• Plant with long-term health and safety in mind

We offer free consultations for homeowners across Austin, Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Lakeway, and the surrounding Hill Country.

📞 Schedule a Free Tree Planting Consultation

Looking for the right tree? We’ll help you plant with purpose.

👉 Call us at 512-265-0861 or
👉 Click here to request your free quote

Healthy Happy Trees - Scout's honor.