10 Trees You Can Plant in the Fall and Why

Did you know spring is not the only time to plant greenery? Autumn is its greatest rival. And now that cooler afternoons, crisp blue skies, and Friday night football have arrived, we couldn’t help ourselves from creating a thorough list of the trees you can plant in the fall to give your young greenery a hidden head start.

Below, our certified arborists at Alvarado Tree Trimming and Care explain why autumn is prime tree-planting season and list the 10 popular trees and 5 plant species you should include in your landscape design for year-round color. Let’s make your outdoor space shine!

Why Is Fall the Perfect Season for Tree and Shrub Planting?

Fall in North-Central Texas combines warm soil with mild air temperatures, creating a sweet spot for root growth without summer heat stress. Here’s why that matters:

• Stronger root systems: Newly planted trees use October–December to push roots deep into Weatherford’s loamy clay before top growth resumes in spring.
• Reduced watering needs: Cooler weather and periodic rains from late-season fronts mean less hose time and lower water bills.
• Fewer pests and diseases: Insects, fungi, and borers slow down as temperatures dip, giving saplings a pest-free runway.
• Smooth transplanting: Nurseries offer end-of-season discounts, and digging holes in fall soil is easier than battling summer’s baked ground.

Give your landscape six extra months of underground development, and you’ll see explosive canopy growth when March rolls around.

10 Ideal Trees for Fall Planting

1. Desert Willow

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is one of the top trees you can plant in the fall. As a Texas native tree, this species produces orchid-like blooms from May through September. Plant it in a sunny, well-drained spot, and you’ll enjoy hummingbirds plus minimal maintenance.

2. Flowering Dogwood

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is one of the best trees to plant in the fall, achieving four-season interest once established. White spring blossoms, summer berries, and crimson fall foliage make it a small-space superstar. It’s perfect for cottage gardens off Santa Fe Drive.

3. Texas Persimmon

This rugged native sports smooth, silver bark and marble-sized fruit relished by songbirds. Its naturally rounded shape needs little pruning, and it thrives in rocky, alkaline soils west of Lake Weatherford.

4. Ginkgo

What about stunning shade trees? That’s where Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) comes in. If you’re craving shade and eye-popping golden leaves each November, Ginkgo trees are the perfect choice. Besides their striking golden fall foliage, this tree species resists pollution and pests. We recommend picking a male cultivar to avoid fruit drop along your driveway.

5. Cedar Elm

Cedar Elms (Ulmus crassifolia) are some of the top trees you can plant in the fall. They are already a staple in Fort Worth’s Trinity River bottoms, and they tolerate heavy clay and urban heat just fine. Keep in mind they grow quickly, so sooner rather than later, you’ll have the perfect shade for backyard barbecues.

6. Japanese Maple

Add elegance to shaded patios with a lace-leaf Japanese Maple. Morning sun and afternoon shade keep foliage vibrant through our hot summers. Fall planting reduces transplant shock, ensuring brilliant scarlet colors next year.

7. Southern Wax Myrtle

Looking for evergreen trees you can plant in the fall? Southern Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) forms a dense, fragrant hedge that birds adore. Its wax-coated berries were once used for candles, hence the name.

8. Red Maple

If you’re planting trees for fall color, know that no other outdoor plant rivals Red Maple’s fiery October display. Choose the variety “Autumn Blaze” for faster growth and tolerance to Parker County’s alkaline soil. Keep it watered its first year, then enjoy decades of shade.

9. Texas Redbud

Of course, our list about “10 trees that can be planted in the fall” wouldn’t be complete without another native. Every March, Texas Redbud erupts in rose-purple blossoms that announce spring’s arrival. We suggest planting it in dappled light; once established, this deciduous plant withstands drought like a champ.

10. Eldarica Pine

The final species in our list of trees to plant in the fall is the Eldarica Pine, also called the Afghan Pine. This tree can handle blazing sun, high winds, and the occasional North Texas ice storm just fine. Its pyramidal form makes a living Christmas tree accent for front yards.

5 Shrubs to Plant for Great Fall Color

1. Texas Sage

Silvery foliage and lavender blooms after summer rains earn Texas Sage its nickname “barometer bush.” Pair it with Desert Willow for a low-water duo.

2. Butterfly Bush

Fragrant flower spikes entice monarchs during their fall migration through Parker County. Cut it back each winter for fresh growth.

3. Nandina

Also known as Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina turns burgundy in winter and bears clusters of red berries, making it great for holiday décor.

4. Lantana

Hardy, heat-loving Lantana explodes in yellow, orange, or purple clusters until the first frost. It’s a butterfly magnet and deer-resistant.

5. Pride of Barbados

For a tropical punch, plant Pride of Barbados. Its fiery orange flowers thrive in reflected heat beside south-facing stone walls.