Summer has gone by so quickly this year, and it is hard to believe that we are almost into fall.  This is great news for a gardener in Texas because we can do a lot of lawn and garden work in the fall, and we do not sweat quite as much while we do it!

It might seem counter-intuitive but fall and winter are a great time to plant trees.  Planting in the cooler months allows trees to develop a healthy root system before putting on new growth in the spring and the stress of summer heat.

We have a wide variety of trees that do well in Central Texas from small trees like the Anacacho Orchid that is six to 12 feet tall all the way up to the Burr Oak that can grow 80 feet tall!  I highly recommend looking through the Tree Selection and Planting Guide on our website at: https://williamson.agrilife.org/links/trees/.  The guide has a good list of trees recommended for our area, along with a detailed planting guide.

I have a few favorites such as Burr Oak, Live Oak, Chinese Pistache, and Montezuma Cypress.  I am trying to pick a tree for my front lawn, but this self-proclaimed plant nerd is struggling to choose just one!

If you would like to plant a tree in your landscape this fall, consider these factors when selecting and planting your tree.

• Choose a tree that fits your space. Many urban lots have small lawns, so consider a tree that only grows to 10-20 feet tall.
• Try to avoid future problems when you choose your planting location. Are there powerlines nearby?  Plant smaller trees away from the lines.  It is never pretty to have your tree trimmed in a V-shape or L-shape to protect the power lines.  Do not plant too close to sidewalks or your house.
• Consider planting trees that will shade the south and west side of your house to lower your utility bills. Afternoon shade over the roof of your home can reduce temperatures inside the home by as much as eight to 10 degrees.