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9 trees to plant in Texas now that will be rock stars in spring

With cooler temperatures and plenty of soil moisture (due to record fall precipitation), planting your favorite ornamental tree now will give you a head start in establishing spring colors.

When is the best time to plant a tree? I've always loved the classic response of "20 years ago," but I like to add that the second-best time is now.

Here in North Texas, trees actually can be planted any time of year other than summer. While we do see folks trying to establish trees in June, July and August, it's not really practical with our extreme heat and frequent drought. Water loss through the leaves (transpiration) during hotter periods exceeds the moisture that can be taken up by a young root system, which causes undue stress.

The absolute best time to plant trees in Texas is in the fall, which is why our state goes against the grain of most of the country, celebrating Texas Arbor Day the first Friday of November. However, if you missed planting, it's not too late to get trees that are native or adapted to the region in the ground.

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With cooler temperatures and plenty of soil moisture (due to record fall precipitation), planting your favorite ornamental tree now will give you a head start in establishing spring colors. Here are a few of my favorite showy tree specimens that you just might dig as well.

 'Rising Sun' redbud
'Rising Sun' redbud (greenleaf nursery / Digital File_UPLOAD)
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'Rising Sun' redbud

Although dormant now, 'Rising Sun' is one of the showiest ornamental trees and heralds spring with some of the first blooms of the season, appearing bright pink before its leaves emerge. But the color of those heart-shaped leaves may actually rival the blooms when they appear. Starting out with peach hues, transitioning to golden yellows, then transitioning to lime green and eventually darker greens, the multi-colored leaves provide bright contrasting colors throughout spring, summer and fall. Plant in full sun to part shade for the best color combinations.

Horticulturalist Daniel Cunningham discusses the weeping 'Ruby Falls' redbud.
Horticulturalist Daniel Cunningham discusses the weeping 'Ruby Falls' redbud. (Gabe Saldana / Texas A&M Agrilife)
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'Ruby Falls' redbud

Another redbud but with a completely different form, 'Ruby Falls' is more compact with a weeping canopy that trails downward. Similar lavender flowers signal spring, but the real show can be attributed to the glossy, heart-shaped maroon and green leaves. It's a perfect specimen for small spaces with full sun to part shade.

Desert willows thrive in full sun
Desert willows thrive in full sun(David Woo / Staff Photographer)

Desert willow

In late spring, this multi-trunked native ornamental tree produces a profuse canopy of large pink and burgundy flowers that contrast slender, willow-like glossy green leaves. Desert willows thrive in full sun, bloom throughout extreme Texas summers, and are extremely tough, with little maintenance required once established.

Goldenball leadtree
Goldenball leadtree (Daniel Cunningham / Special Contributor)

Goldenball leadtree

An underutilized native tree for urban landscapes, goldenball leadtree thrives in the harshest of full sun spots with well-draining, even rocky soils. In spring, look for outstanding bright yellow flower "balls" that smell of perfume. A new flush will appear after rain events through summer and into fall, persisting through even the most extreme heat and drought periods.

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Texas mountain laurel
Texas mountain laurel (Gabe Saldana / Texas A&M Agrilife)

Texas mountain laurel

This small evergreen tree/large shrub provides interest year-round with the small, dark-green, glossy leaves persisting through winter. Large grape-like flower clusters give rise in early spring, serving as some of the first forage for bees and other pollinators. Although the blooms rival most any in the garden when blooming, their most intriguing asset is the intoxicating "grape soda" smell that fills the garden.

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Weeping yaupon holly

This cultivar of our Texas tough evergreen tree is one of the most unusual ornamental specimens. Gracefully weeping evergreen branches give rise to scarlet berries that persist through winter and provide food for song birds and other wildlife. The leaves are also reported to have more caffeine than other forms of the same species for those who enjoy a cup of yaupon tea.

'Gray Gleam' juniper

As fall leaves drop, now is the time to look at spots in the landscape that can benefit from evergreen foliage that also provides winter interest. One of my favorite junipers, 'Gray Gleam,' grows in an upright form reaching 15 feet in height and, as the name suggests, provides contrast with gray-green leaves and dark blue fruits. Try one tree as a specimen or multiple trees in a screen or north windbreak. Grows best in full sun with well-draining soil.

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Mexican plum trees have showy white blossoms.
Mexican plum trees have showy white blossoms. (Daniel Cunningham / Special Contributor)

Mexican plum

This is my personal favorite tree to replace the dreaded 'Bradford Pear.' Not only are the white spring blooms of this Texas native beautiful and sweet smelling, but they also produce delicious fruit sought after by birds and foodies alike. Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, this hardy tree thrives in full sun to part shade conditions.

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The loquat is an exotic fruit tree that's well adapted to North Texas.
The loquat is an exotic fruit tree that's well adapted to North Texas. (Gabe Saldana / Texas A&M Agrilife)

Loquat

This exotic fruit tree is more dependable as a compact evergreen ornamental. Although well-adapted to North Texas soils and climate in most years, the fragrant blooms appear in fall and winter and are susceptible to freezing temperatures during that time. This means in a protected area, you may get fruit only every two to three years. The magnolia-like leaves are beautiful every year, however, and the plum-like fruits (with a hint of mango) are a treat following mild winters.