Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant Trees in Austin
Spring gets all the hype, but ask anyone who grows trees for a living and they'll tell you: fall is the real planting season in Central Texas. If you've been eyeing that bare corner of the yard, now is the time to fill it.
When is the best time to plant trees in Austin?
The short answer: fall, roughly October through early winter. Here's why it works so well.
- Cooler days, less stress. Austin summers are tough on a brand-new tree. In fall, the air cools off and the sun eases up, so your tree can focus on settling in instead of just surviving.
- Warm soil keeps roots growing. Even as the air cools, the soil stays warm for weeks. Roots keep growing through fall and our mild winters, long after the leaves slow down.
- A head start on summer. A tree planted in fall gets months to build roots before the first 100-degree day. By summer, it's better able to pull up water on its own.
- Help from the weather. Fall rains and cooler nights mean you'll usually water less than you would with a spring or summer planting.
Spring planting can work too, but the clock is ticking toward summer heat. Plant in fall and you give your tree the whole cool season to get established.
How often should I water a newly planted tree?
Watering is the number one thing that makes or breaks a new tree. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Water deeply at planting. Soak the root ball and the surrounding soil right after the tree goes in.
- Check before you water. Push a finger or a screwdriver a few inches into the soil near the root ball. If it's dry, water. If it's still moist, wait.
- Go slow and deep. A hose on a slow trickle at the base for a while beats a quick spray. Deep watering encourages deep roots.
- Adjust with the weather. You'll water less in cool or rainy weeks and more during warm, dry spells. Don't forget dry stretches in winter.
- Mulch it. A few inches of mulch around the base (kept a little away from the trunk) holds moisture and keeps roots cooler.
- Stay with it the first summer. Your tree's first summer is its biggest test, so keep checking the soil regularly, especially in heat waves.
Not sure what your tree needs? Give us a call. We're happy to walk you through it.
What size tree should I buy: 15, 30 or 45 gallon?
All of our trees are container-grown, so the roots come with the tree and are ready to go in the ground. Here's how to pick a size:
- 15 gallon: Easy to handle and quick to establish. A great choice if you're planting several trees, filling in a wider area, or don't mind waiting a bit for size.
- 30 gallon: The sweet spot for many Austin yards. Noticeably bigger right away, with real presence on day one, but still manageable to plant.
- 45 gallon: Instant impact. Choose this when you want shade, screening or a focal point sooner rather than later.
Think about how much space the tree will have when it's grown, how quickly you want results, and how you'll get it planted. Browse sizes on our Shop page, or see our picks in Trees for Austin Yards.
Do you offer tree planting in Austin?
Yes! Professional planting is available, so you don't have to wrestle a big container tree into the ground yourself. Planting is $165 per 30 gallon tree and $190 per 45 gallon tree. For 15 gallon trees, call us for planting pricing. You can add planting to your order request, and we'll confirm everything with you by phone.
Looking for color, too? Check out our guide to Popular Trees for Fall Color in Austin.
Ready to plant this fall?
Four Season's Tree Nursery is a family-owned, direct wholesale tree nursery located in East Texas, serving Austin and the surrounding areas. We grow 15, 30 and 45 gallon trees, with professional planting available. Send us a message and we'll get back to you, or call or text 512-971-2788.
Keep exploring: shop our trees, see trees for Austin yards, or read Popular Trees for Fall Color in Austin.