When To Plant Apple Trees In Texas

If you’re thinking about adding an apple tree to your Texas landscape, timing is everything. Knowing exactly when to plant apple trees in Texas is the first step to ensuring your tree gets a strong, healthy start. The state’s diverse climate means a one-size-fits-all date doesn’t work, but with a little regional knowledge, you can set your tree up for a lifetime of fruit.

Planting at the right time allows the tree to establish its roots in cool, moist soil before the intense summer heat arrives. This gives it the resources it needs to survive its first brutal Texas summer. Let’s break down the best schedule for your specific area.

For most of Texas, the ideal planting window is during dormancy, from late fall through early spring. The absolute best time is often late December to February. This period avoids summer heat and gives the tree months to settle in before leafing out.

Best Planting Times by Texas Region

Texas has several distinct climate zones, and your planting time should match yours.

North Texas & Panhandle: Plant from late January through mid-March. Winters are colder here, so wait until the hardest freezes are past. Fall planting (October-November) can also work if done early enough before the ground freezes.
Central Texas (including Hill Country): This is prime apple country. The best window is from January to early March. The mild winters allow roots to grow steadily.
East Texas: Aim for January to February. The higher humidity and rainfall are beneficial, but wet soils can be an issue; avoid planting in soggy ground.
South Texas & Gulf Coast: Plant in January or February. The very mild winters mean you need to get trees in the ground as early in the year as possible so they’re established before the early heat. Chilling hours for apples are a major concern here.
West Texas: Late February to March is best. Wait until the threat of a late frost diminishes. Wind protection and irrigation are critical in this arid region.

Why Dormant Season Planting is Key

Planting while the tree is asleep offers huge advantages. The tree isn’t trying to support leaves or fruit, so all its energy goes into root growth. The cooler temperatures and (usually) more reliable rainfall in late winter and early spring reduce stress on the young tree. This head start is vital for building a root system deep enough to find water during the July and August drought.

The Risk of Planting Too Late

If you miss the window and plant in April or May, your tree faces an uphill battle. It must simultaneously try to establish roots, produce leaves, and cope with soaring temperatures. This often leads to severe transplant shock, stunted growth, or even loss of the tree. Its simply not worth the risk—wait for the next dormant season instead.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you have your timing right, proper planting technique is next. Follow these steps for success.

Choose the Right Variety: Select a low-chill apple variety suited for Texas, like ‘Anna,’ ‘Dorsett Golden,’ ‘Ein Shemer,’ or ‘Fuji.’ Check with your local county extension office for the best recommendations for your area.
Pick a Sunny Site: Apple trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Ensure the spot has excellent air circulation to reduce fungal disease and is away from competing tree roots.
Dig a Proper Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Roughen the sides of the hole to help roots penetrate. Do not amend the backfill soil with compost; you want the roots to adapt to native soil.
Plant at Correct Depth: Place the tree in the hole so the graft union (the bump near the base) is 2-3 inches above the soil line. Never bury the graft. Spread the roots out gently.
Backfill and Water: Backfill with the original soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets. Build a small soil berm around the edge to form a watering basin. Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch and Protect: Apply 3-4 inches of mulch (wood chips, shredded bark) in a wide circle around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature. Consider a tree guard to protect the tender bark from sunscald and rodents.

Essential Care After Planting

Your work isn’t done once the tree is in the ground. Consistent first-year care is non-negotiable in Texas.

Watering: This is the most critical task. Water deeply 1-2 times per week for the first full growing season, adjusting based on rainfall. The goal is consistent moisture, not soggy soil. During summer heatwaves, more frequent watering will be necessary.
Pruning: At planting time, prune only any broken branches. Your major structural pruning will occur the following winter when the tree is again dormant.
Fertilizing: Do not fertilize at planting. Wait until you see new growth in the spring, then apply a balanced fertilizer lightly. To much nitrogen early on can harm those developing roots.
Pest Monitoring: Keep an eye out for signs of insects like aphids or borers. Diseases like fire blight and cedar-apple rust are common in Texas; choose resistant varieties and be prepared to manage them organically if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls that can doom a new apple tree.

Planting a variety that requires more winter chilling hours than your region provides.
Putting the tree in a poorly-drained, soggy location or in heavy shade.
Planting to deep and burying the graft union.
Over-amending the planting hole, which creates a “pot effect” and discourages roots from expanding outward.
Letting the tree dry out during its first summer. Consistent watering is not optional.

FAQ: Planting Apple Trees in Texas

Can I plant apple trees in the fall in Texas?
In North and parts of Central Texas, early fall (October) planting can be successful if it allows 6-8 weeks for root establishment before a hard freeze. In warmer regions, winter planting is safer and generally recommended.

What are the best apple trees to grow in Texas?
Low-chill varieties are essential. Excellent choices include ‘Anna,’ ‘Dorsett Golden,’ ‘Ein Shemer,’ ‘Gala,’ and ‘Fuji.’ For the Hill Country, ‘Arkansas Black’ and ‘Mollie’s Delicious’ also perform well.

How many chill hours does Texas get?
Chill hours vary widely. South Texas may get 200-400 hours, Central Texas 400-600, and North Texas 600-800+. Always select a variety requiring chill hours at or below your area’s average.

Can I grow an apple tree from seed in Texas?
You can, but it’s not recommended for fruit production. Trees grown from seed are genetically unpredictable and will not produce fruit true to the parent. They also take many years to bear. Planting a grafted bare-root or container tree from a nursery is the reliable path.

Do I need two apple trees to get fruit?
Most apple varieties require cross-pollination from a different apple variety that blooms at the same time. Always plant at least two compatible varieties. A few, like ‘Anna’ and ‘Dorsett Golden,’ can sometimes set fruit alone but will produce more with a partner.

By choosing the right variety and focusing on the crucial late-winter planting window, you give your apple tree the foundation it needs. With proper site selection, careful planting, and dedicated first-year care, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown apples from your own Texas backyard.