When To Plant Trees In Oklahoma

Knowing when to plant trees in Oklahoma is the single most important step for giving your new tree a strong, healthy start. This guide will walk you through the best planting times for your specific tree and region, ensuring your investment grows into a beautiful, lasting part of your landscape.

Oklahoma’s climate can be challenging, with hot summers, cold winters, and unpredictable weather. Planting at the right time allows tree roots to establish themselves before facing extreme heat or freezing temperatures. Let’s break down the optimal seasons so you can plan your project with confidence.

The golden rule for Oklahoma is to plant in the dormant seasons: fall and early spring. These periods provide the ideal balance of warm soil and cool air, which encourages root growth without the stress of supporting full leaves.

Fall Planting (October to Mid-November)

Fall is often considered the absolute best time to plant most trees in Oklahoma. The soil is still warm from the summer sun, which promotes vigorous root development. Meanwhile, the cooler air temperatures reduce water loss from the leaves (transpiration) and minimize heat stress on the tree.

By planting in fall, your tree can spend the winter growing a robust root system underground. When spring arrives, it’s ready to put it’s energy into strong top growth. Aim to get your tree in the ground at least 4-6 weeks before the first hard freeze is expected in your area.

Advantages: Warm soil, less water demand, less transplant shock, a head start on spring growth.
Best For: Deciduous shade trees (oaks, maples), fruit trees, and most ornamentals.
Watch Out For: Early freezes. Be prepared to water if the fall is unusually dry.

Early Spring Planting (Late February to April)

Spring is the second-best option and is perfect if you missed the fall window. The goal is to plant after the ground has thawed and is workable, but before the tree breaks dormancy and begins significant new leaf growth.

This timing allows roots to settle in as the soil warms up. The key is to plant early enough that the tree is established before the intense Oklahoma summer heat kicks in around July.

Advantages: Follows natural growth cycles, full season ahead for growth, easier to assess plant health.
Best For: All tree types, especially evergreens and more tender species that might be sensitive to winter cold.
Watch Out For: “Boomer” weather swings, including late frosts and heavy spring rains that can waterlog soil.

Seasons to Avoid

Summer and deep winter planting are generally not recommended for Oklahoma.

Summer (June-August): Extreme heat and drought stress make it very hard for a new tree to establish. It requires constant, meticulous watering to survive.
Deep Winter (December-January): Frozen ground makes proper planting impossible, and roots cannot grow in cold soil. Newly planted trees are also vulnerable to freeze damage.

Regional Variations Across Oklahoma

Oklahoma has clear climate zones, from humid in the east to semi-arid in the west. This affects your ideal planting window.

Eastern Oklahoma (USDA Zone 7a)

This region has more rainfall and slightly milder winters. You have a slightly longer fall planting window, often into late November. Spring planting can also begin a little earlier in late February.

Central Oklahoma (USDA Zone 7a/7b)

This includes the Oklahoma City metro. Stick to the core windows: October to mid-November and late February to April. Be prepared for wind and rapid temperature changes.

Western Oklahoma (USDA Zone 7a/6b)

This area is drier and more prone to temperature extremes. Fall planting is critical here, as springs can be short and summers harsh. Aim for early October to early November. Spring planting should be done as early as possible in March.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide for Success

Once you’ve chosen the right time, proper planting technique is essential. Follow these steps to give your tree the best foundation.

Call 811 Before You Dig: Always contact Oklahoma’s call-before-you-dig service at least a few days before planting to have utility lines marked. It’s free and required by law.
Dig the Right Hole: Dig a hole that is 2-3 times wider than the tree’s root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself. The flare where the roots meet the trunk should be slightly above ground level.
Handle the Roots: For container trees, gently loosen circling roots. For balled-and-burlapped trees, remove any wire basket and synthetic burlap after placing it in the hole.
Backfill with Native Soil: Do not amend the backfill soil with compost or fertilizer. Use the soil you dug out. This encourages roots to spread into the native soil. Fill the hole halfway, water thoroughly to settle air pockets, then fill the rest.
Water Deeply and Mulch: Create a small soil berm around the edge to form a water basin. Water deeply immediately after planting. Apply 3-4 inches of mulch (like wood chips) in a wide ring around the tree, but keep it away from the trunk itself.
Stake Only If Necessary: Most young trees do not need staking, which can weaken the trunk. Only stake if the tree is in a very windy site or is top-heavy. If you do stake, use wide straps and remove them after one year.

Choosing the Right Tree for Oklahoma

Selecting a species well-suited to our climate is just as important as timing. Opt for native or adapted trees that tolerate heat, drought, wind, and our variable soil conditions.

Top Native Shade Trees: Bur Oak, Shumard Oak, Pecan, Bald Cypress, Eastern Redbud.
Great Ornamental Trees: Oklahoma Redbud, Crape Myrtle (select cold-hardy varieties), Chinkapin Oak, Desert Willow.
Reliable Evergreens: Eastern Red Cedar, Loblolly Pine, Arizona Cypress.

Always consider the tree’s mature size. Make sure you have enough space for its height and spread, and plant it away from powerlines, buildings, and underground utilities.

First-Year Care After Planting

Your job isn’t done once the tree is in the ground. Consistent care in the first year is crucial for survival.

Watering: This is the most important task. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on rainfall. The goal is to keep the root ball moist but not soggy. During summer heat, you may need to water more frequently. A soaker hose is a great tool for this.
Mulch Maintenance: Refresh mulch as needed to maintain the 3-4 inch layer. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and insulates roots.
Hold the Fertilizer: Do not fertilize at planting time or in the first year. Fertilizer can burn new roots and forces unwanted top growth before the roots are ready to support it.
Pruning: Limit pruning at planting to removing only broken, damaged, or crossing branches. Wait until after the first full growing season to do any structural pruning.

FAQ: Your Oklahoma Tree Planting Questions

Can I plant trees in the summer if I water them a lot?

It’s highly discouraged. Even with frequent watering, the extreme heat and evaporation rates cause immense stress. The tree will struggle to establish roots while trying to support its leaves, leading to a high chance of failure or stunted growth.

Is it better to plant in spring or fall in Oklahoma?

Fall is generally superior because of the warm soil and cool air combo. However, early spring is a very close second and is a fine choice, especially for evergreens. The worst time is definately summer.

How late in the fall can I plant?

You should finish planting at least 4-6 weeks before the ground typically freezes. For central OK, aim to be done by mid-November. In southern areas, you might have until late November, and in northern areas, aim for early November.

What are the best fast-growing shade trees for Oklahoma?

While fast-growing trees are appealing, they are often weaker-wooded. Better choices that grow at a moderate rate but are much tougher include Shumard Oak, Sawtooth Oak, and Chinese Pistache. These will last much longer in our storms.

Should I use root stimulator or fertilizer when planting?

Most arborists recommend against using a chemical root stimulator or fertilizer in the planting hole. They can be harsh on tender new roots. The best “stimulator” is proper planting technique, deep watering, and a good layer of organic mulch.

By following these guidelines for when to plant trees in Oklahoma, you significantly increase your chances of success. Patience is key—planting at the right time requires waiting for the right season, but your reward will be a healthy, thriving tree that provides beauty, shade, and value for generations to come. Remember to choose a suitable species, plant it correctly, and commit to that vital first-year care. Your landscape will thank you for it.