Matthew Orwat
County Extension Agent – AG/NR
Email: matthew.orwat@ag.tamu.edu
Choosing a new tree for your landscape can be a bit intimidating. Trying to find a tree that is large enough for your space but not too large can take a lot of time. Using native trees narrows the choices so you are not so overwhelmed.
Why Native Trees?
Native trees have several advantages over adapted plants. Native plants have evolved to use the amount of rainfall in an area, so once the tree is established, it only needs watering in a drought. These trees have also evolved to resist the pests and diseases found in this area, so you do not have to use as many pesticides to protect them. There are native trees for any place in your landscape.
In addition, native plants provide habitat for birds, pollinators, other beneficial insects, and wildlife. Non-native trees cannot compete with a native tree in this regard. An oak tree can feed more birds, insects, and animals than any other tree in North America.
Considerations for Choosing a Tree
There are several things you need to consider when choosing a tree. Remember, the tree will live a long time, so you want to make sure you have the right tree in the right place.
Size of Slot
The first question you need to answer is the size of the place you want to place the tree in. Get out the measuring tape and measure the space so you know how much room you are working with.
Pick For Mature Size
Choose trees based on their size when mature. The height as well as the spread, or width, of the mature tree needs to fit in the space you have. Don’t plant a tree that will grow too big for the space and prune it to fit. Such pruning weakens the tree.
Evergreen or Deciduous?
Another consideration is whether you want an evergreen tree or a deciduous tree. Evergreen trees make good wind breaks and can help reduce your energy costs. They are also interesting to look at all year long. Deciduous trees make good shade trees because they have leaves during the hot months. They can be planted to shade your home for additional savings on energy costs.
Age of Tree
Finally, consider whether you are getting a mature tree or a sapling. Mature trees instantly fill the spot you plant them in. However, mature trees have a lower survival rate than younger trees. Saplings are also much cheaper than mature trees. You can get a five-year-old tree instead of either saplings or mature trees. The tree is already large but has a higher survival rate and is cheaper than mature trees.
Spacing Trees on a Lot
Planning for Your Available Space
Plan your planting to ensure enough growing space is available for your tree at its mature height and spread.
View the tree description page for your chosen tree to determine its size at maturity.
Copyright © Robert O'Brien through the Texas A&M Forest Service
When considering a tree for your landscape, be sure to leave enough space between the tree and its neighbors. A small tree needs a spot that is 60 square feet. Medium trees need 120 square feet, while large trees need 180 square feet of space to grow. If yoiu are planting trees in a row, give a small tree a 3 feet by 20 feet spot. Medium trees need 4X30 feet, while large trees need 4 X 45 feet.
Watch the Power Lines
How Far You Should Plant from Utility Lines*
- Plant large canopy trees (40 feet and taller) at least 50 feet from power lines.
- Plant medium sized trees (less than 40 feet tall) at least 20 feet from power lines.
- Plant only small trees (20 feet and smaller) near power lines, and within 8 feet of power poles.
*These are general guidelines. Check with your local utility for specific planting distances for your area.
Copyright © Robert O'Brien through the Texas A&M Forest Service
You have probably seen trees with a V shape near power lines. Pruning a tree that way protects the power lines but is hard on the tree. A better idea is to not plant trees too close to a power line. You can plant a tree that gets no taller than 20 feet under the power lines without worrying about them getting pruned. Medium trees should be planted at least 40 feet from power lines. This is so if they get knocked over in a storm, they will not hit a power line on the way down. Finally, tall trees should be at least 50 feet from a power line.
Finding Native Trees
There are several places to research native trees when you are looking for a new tree.
Earth–Kind® Plant Selector
Courtesy Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
You can start with the Earth kind plant selector. You can specify the growing conditions for the spot you want to fill and get a list of trees that will fit. Not all these trees are native to our area, however.
Texas SuperStars
Courtesy Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
The Texas A&M University Agrilife Extension Service has a list of plants that will grow anywhere in the state. There are several trees on this list, but not all of them are native to our area.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Selector
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/
All of the plants listed at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Selector are native to North America, but they may not be native to North Central Texas. The entry for each plant does list the states it is native to.
Reputable Nursery
A reputable nursery can steer you toward some trees that will grow well in the conditions found in your landscape. Take a picture of the spot to show the nursery workers for best results.
Dangers of Rapid Growth
Fast growing trees have problems. They generally have short life spans, have problems with pests and diseases that like succulent new growth, have weak wood, are messy, and are not adapted to our soil. If you need a big tree quickly, buy a five-year-old tree.
Things To Look For In a Tree
You should look for nice looking trees that are native to the area. These trees have few pest and disease problems, have good form and strong branches, and live a long time. Table 1 has a list of such trees by size.
| Large Trees | Small Trees |
| Pecan (not to close to house) | Yaupon Holly (trained as tree) |
| Cedar Elm | Texas Mountain Laurel |
| Live Oak | Rusty Blackhaw |
| Bur Oak | Mexican plum (for jam, not eating raw) |
| Chinquapin Oak | Redbud |
| Shumard Red Oak | Little Gem Southern Magnolia (dwarf) |
| Southern Magnolia | Warren's Red Possumhaw Holly – deciduous |
Native trees are easier to take care of and are already adapted to our climate. For more information and for gardening questions on other things, use the Dallas County Master Gardener Association help desk. Send clear, in focus pictures and your questions to dallasmg@ag.tamu.edu.
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