If you’re wondering when to plant shrubs in North Texas, timing is your first step to success. The best planting times for shrubs here are driven by our unique climate, and getting it right gives your plants a strong, healthy start.
North Texas weather can be extreme. We face hot, dry summers and occasional hard freezes. Planting at the optimal time allows shrubs to establish roots before these stresses hit. This guide will walk you through the ideal seasons, specific months, and simple steps for planting that thrive in our region.
When to Plant Shrubs in North Texas – Best Planting Times for
The golden rule for North Texas is to plant during the milder seasons: fall and early spring. These windows provide the ideal balance of warm soil and cool air.
Why Fall is the Premier Planting Season
For most shrubs, fall is the absolute best time to plant. Aim for late September through mid-November. The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth. Yet, the air temperatures are becoming cooler, reducing heat stress on the plant.
This combination allows the shrub to focus its energy on developing a robust root system underground. When spring arrives, a fall-planted shrub is already settled and ready to put energy into vigorous top growth. It’s a head start that’s hard to beat.
The Early Spring Planting Window
Your second-best option is early spring, specifically late February through March. You want to plant after the danger of a hard freeze has passed but before the intense summer heat kicks in.
Spring planting works well, but it requires more attention from you. You’ll need to be diligent about watering as the temperatures rise. The shrub will be trying to establish roots and produce new leaves at the same time, which can be taxing if a heatwave arrives early.
Shrubs to Avoid Planting in Summer
Try to avoid planting most shrubs from June through August. The extreme heat and dry conditions put immense stress on new plants. Even with frequent watering, shrubs often struggle to establish and can suffer sunscald or dieback.
If you must plant in summer, choose heat-tolerant natives and be prepared for a strict watering regimen. Container shrubs can sometimes be succesfully planted then with extreme care, but it’s always a risk.
Considerations for Evergreen vs. Deciduous Shrubs
While the fall/spring rule applies broadly, there’s a slight nuance. Deciduous shrubs (those that lose leaves) are especially well-suited to fall planting. They can focus solely on roots without the demand of supporting foliage.
Broadleaf evergreens, like hollies or boxwoods, also do great in fall. For narrow-leaf evergreens such as junipers, early spring is often prefered to give them a full season to harden off before their first winter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Your Shrubs
Once you’ve chosen your time, proper planting technique is crucial. Follow these steps for the best results.
1. Dig the Right Hole
The old saying “dig a $50 hole for a $5 plant” holds true. The hole should be two to three times wider than the shrub’s root ball. This loosens the soil around it, making it easy for roots to expand. The depth should be the same height as the root ball, never deeper.
Planting to deep is a common cause of plant failure. The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should be slightly above the surrounding soil level.
2. Handle the Root Ball Carefully
Gently remove the shrub from its container. If the roots are densely circling, use a knife to make shallow vertical cuts on the sides of the root ball. This encourages roots to grow outward. Tease the outer roots loose with your fingers.
For balled-and-burlapped shrubs, remove any wire basket and synthetic burlap after placing it in the hole. Natural burlap can be left in place but should be pulled back from the trunk.
3. Amend and Backfill Wisely
In North Texas, our soil is often heavy clay. Mixing some compost or expanded shale with the native soil you removed can improve drainage and aeration. Use a mix of about 25% amendment to 75% native soil.
Backfill the hole halfway, then water thoroughly to settle the soil and remove air pockets. After the water drains, finish backfilling and water again.
4. Water Deeply and Apply Mulch
Create a low berm of soil around the planting hole to form a water basin. Give the shrub a long, slow soak to ensure moisture reaches the entire root zone.
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch, like shredded hardwood bark, around the shrub. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot. This conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature.
Post-Planting Care Schedule
Your care in the first year is critical. Here’s a simple schedule:
- First 2 Weeks: Water every 2-3 days, unless it rains.
- First 3-6 Months: Water deeply once a week.
- First Summer: Monitor closely. You may need to water twice a week during periods of extreme heat and drought.
- First Fall/Winter: Reduce watering as temperatures drop and plant growth slows.
Hold off on fertilizing at planting time. Wait until the following spring to apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for shrubs.
Top Shrub Picks for North Texas
Choosing native or well-adapted shrubs sets you up for success. They are acclimated to our climate and soil, requiring less water and care.
- Evergreen: Dwarf Burford Holly, Wax Myrtle, Texas Sage (Cenizo), Yaupon Holly.
- Deciduous: Oakleaf Hydrangea, American Beautyberry, Spirea, Rose of Sharon.
- Native Favorites: Possumhaw Holly, Agarita, Flame Acanthus.
Always check the plant’s tag for its mature size. This helps you avoid placing a large shrub to close to your house or walkways.
FAQ: Planting Shrubs in North Texas
Can I plant shrubs in North Texas in winter?
You can plant during mild winter periods, but be prepared to protect new plants if a sudden hard freeze is forecast. Fall is generally safer than mid-winter.
What is the absolute worst time to plant shrubs here?
Late July and August are the most challenging due to peak heat and drought stress. Survival rates are lower without intensive, daily care.
How often should I water newly planted shrubs?
Frequency depends on weather, but depth is key. Water deeply to encourage deep roots. Shallow, frequent watering leads to weak root systems that can’t handle heat.
Should I use root stimulator when planting?
It’s not required, but a root stimulator or liquid seaweed product can help reduce transplant shock and encourage early root growth. Follow the label instructions carefully.
Is it better to plant in spring or fall in North Texas?
For most shrubs, fall is superior. The longer, cooler establishment period gives them a stronger advantage going into there first summer compared to spring-planted shrubs.
By aligning your gardening efforts with the natural rhythms of North Texas, you give your landscape the best foundation. Sticking to the fall and early spring planting windows, following proper planting steps, and choosing resilient plants will lead to a beautiful, thriving garden that can handle our local weather. Remember, a little patience with timing pays off for years to come in healthier, more robust shrubs.