Planting Trees in Houston
There is no better way to add depth and beauty to your landscaping design than with trees. We love them in all their shapes and sizes! In Houston, a city of unbelievable heat in the spring and summer, having some well-placed shade in your garden might be the only way you can enjoy your outdoor space.
A common question we hear from our clients is, what is the best time of year to plant trees in Houston?
Successful trees need space to grow. Their roots need time to dig deep, spread out, and drink plenty of water to establish a strong base. In high temperatures, soil tends to dry out, which can cause tremendous stress on a newly planted tree. We recommend planting your trees in cooler months, October-March. The cooler temperatures will allow your trees the opportunity to establish a strong foundation before those hotter (more demanding) months come along.
Some of our favorite trees to plant are those that not only provide some shade and depth to your landscaping, but also some color. These are our top five favorite flowering trees that do well in the Houston climate.
Read the description below or click through our gallery here: Our Top 5 Flowering Trees for Houston.
Red Maple
The vibrant Red Maple tree is a versatile tree that can grow in various types of soil. We have seen this tree successfully growing in swamp conditions (ultra-saturated soil) to ultra-dry soil. For the extreme weather here in Houston, this is a great option to add color and shade to your landscaping design.
Chinese Fringe Tree
The Chinese Fringe Tree is a beautiful flowering tree that produces a doom-like shape of flowering fragrant white blooms. Not a large tree, this is an excellent addition to smaller gardens looking to accent the space.
Redbud Tree
The Redbud Tree is a smaller tree growing 20-30 feet in height and producing red buds that later turn into beautiful pink flowers. These flowers are elevated on a thin and often twister trunk to create a remarkable tree with incredible color and beauty.
Crepe Myrtle
The Crepe Myrtle is known for its beautiful colors in the shades of purple, red, and white. These flowers bloom on a backdrop of crinkled flowers that look like crepes-hence its name in the summer months. Preferring warmer climates and lots of direct sun, these are an excellent option for Houston gardens.
Chaste Tree
The Chaste Tree is native to the Mediterranean region, is the sacred tree of the Ancient Greek God Hestia, goddess of home and domesticity. This tree produces beautiful purple castus-flowers (similar to that of lavender) and is a favorite among butterflies.