Incorporating native trees into the North Texas landscape offers numerous benefits. These trees are specifically adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less maintenance while providing significant environmental advantages. When selecting native trees for a property, choosing container-grown options can provide additional advantages over non-container-grown trees.

Container-grown native trees have well-developed root systems that remain completely intact during the transplanting process. This raises the success rate when transplanted into the garden, as the trees are not subjected to the trauma that can occur with bare-root or balled-and-burlapped trees.

By contrast, non-container-grown trees often experience more transplant shock and may struggle to establish themselves in the new environment because their root systems are often damaged or reduced during the digging and transplanting process. Here are some top native tree recommendations for North Texas.

Red Oak (Quercus shumardii): Fast-growing tree with stunning fall foliage; thrives in well-drained soils and can withstand heat and drought.

Live Oak (Quercus virginiana): Iconic, sprawling tree that provides dense shade; drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types.

Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii): Medium-sized oak that prefers the limestone soils common in North Texas; features attractive, leathery leaves and produces acorns favored by wildlife.

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa): Massive, hardy tree capable of withstanding drought and poor soil; provides excellent shade with its large, spreading branches.

Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia): Versatile, low-maintenance tree that thrives in diverse soil conditions; drought- and disease-resistant, making it well-suited for urban areas.

Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana): Smaller tree, ideal for compact spaces; produces fragrant white flowers in the spring and small edible plums; drought-tolerant and adapts well to different soils.

Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua): Deciduous holly that adds winter interest with its bright red berries; well-suited for North Texas, tolerating drought and poor soil conditions.

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): Evergreen shrub or small tree that is incredibly hardy; endures drought, poor soil, and even some flooding; offers attractive glossy leaves and bright red berries.

Incorporating these hardy native trees into a landscape, can enhance the beauty of the property while supporting the local ecosystem, reducing maintenance requirements and contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the local environment.

Denise and Bob Piaschyk are the owners of Treeland Nursery, Inc. For more information visit TreelandNursery.com.