Are you thinking about planting a tree this fall in North Texas? Fall is one of the best times to upgrade your landscape, and at Fannin Tree Farm in Frisco, we’re here to help you choose trees that not only thrive in our Texas climate but also look stunning year-round. Cooler soil temperatures, milder days, and reduced heat stress make autumn ideal for root establishment, helping your new tree get a strong start before next summer’s heat returns.
Why Fall Is the Smart Time to Plant
Planting in the fall offers several key advantages. Cooler weather means less stress on newly planted trees, and with soil temperatures still warm, roots can spread and strengthen throughout the season. This gives trees time to establish a strong foundation before spring growth kicks in.
In North Texas, where summers can be tough on new plantings, fall provides a rare sweet spot, less intense sun, lower water demand, and optimal growing conditions. Choosing the right time and the right species sets you up for long-term success, and Fannin Tree Farm’s team can guide you through every step, from selection to installation.
Top Tree Picks for Fall Planting in North Texas
When you’re looking for trees that perform beautifully in our region, it’s important to select varieties that tolerate heat, drought, and our alkaline soils. Here are five of the best trees to plant this fall across Dallas, Frisco, Plano, and the greater DFW area.
1. Shumard Red Oak (Quercus shumardii)
If you want strong shade, vibrant color, and a long-lived tree, the Shumard Red Oak is a top contender. Known for its adaptability, this oak thrives in North Texas soils and delivers brilliant red and burgundy foliage each fall. It’s perfect for front yards and large open spaces, whether you’re adding curb appeal to a home off Preston Road or building shade along a backyard in McKinney.
2. Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)
The Chinese Pistache is a North Texas favorite for good reason, it’s hardy, heat-tolerant, and brings a burst of fall color that rivals trees found in cooler climates. Its canopy glows in rich shades of orange, red, and gold, creating a stunning landscape statement. This tree is perfect for driveways, large lawns, and commercial properties in areas like Legacy West or The Star in Frisco. Once established, it’s also drought-resistant, making it a great long-term investment for your landscape.
3. Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
For homeowners who want a native oak that’s both durable and elegant, the Chinquapin Oak is a superb choice. This tree handles North Texas soil conditions exceptionally well and provides a broad, rounded canopy that offers excellent shade. Its leaves turn a warm bronze color in the fall, adding understated beauty to properties near Lake Lewisville or along Eldorado Parkway. It’s also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance favorite among landscape professionals.
4. Texas Ash (Fraxinus texensis)
Texas Ash is one of the few ash species perfectly suited for our region. It grows quickly, tolerates dry conditions, and produces stunning shades of yellow and maroon each autumn. It’s ideal for well-drained sites and looks fantastic in newer neighborhoods like Newman Village or around open lawns where space allows its rounded canopy to shine. With proper care, it becomes a hardy, medium-sized shade tree that enhances your property’s natural beauty for decades.
5. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
If you love the look of tall, stately trees with soft, feathery foliage, the Bald Cypress is a standout. It’s incredibly versatile, thriving near water features or in moderately dry areas, and it delivers a golden-rust fall color before shedding its needles for winter. Perfect for properties near Frisco Commons Park or along natural drainage areas, Bald Cypress adds vertical interest and texture to your landscape design. Its unique appearance and adaptability make it a year-round favorite across Texas.
Tips for Successful Fall Planting
Planting a tree is an investment in your property’s future. To ensure success, follow these expert tips from our tree care specialists:
- Pick the right location. Consider the tree’s mature size, canopy spread, and proximity to structures or pavement.
- Plant at the right depth. Avoid planting too deep, roots need oxygen as much as water.
- Water consistently. New trees should be watered regularly through their first growing season, especially during dry spells.
- Mulch properly. Add a 2–3-inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots, but keep it a few inches from the trunk.
- Plan for growth. Think ahead, make sure your tree has space to grow into its full, natural form.
At Fannin Tree Farm, we help every customer choose the right tree for their property’s space, soil type, and design goals. Our expert installation team ensures your tree is planted correctly and backed by a one-year guarantee for peace of mind.
Why Choose Fannin Tree Farm
Since 1977, Fannin Tree Farm has been helping homeowners and businesses across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex create beautiful, lasting landscapes. Located in Frisco, our family-owned tree farm offers one of the largest selections of mature trees in North Texas, including native and adapted varieties perfect for fall planting.
From our expansive nursery off Preston Road to our experienced installation crews, we make it simple to find, select, and install the perfect tree. Whether you’re transforming a residential property near Stonebrook Parkway, adding shade to a playground in Prosper, or designing a commercial project near Toyota Stadium, Fannin Tree Farm has the expertise and inventory to make it happen.
Plant This Fall for a Strong Start
Fall is the best time to give your landscape lasting value and beauty. Trees planted now will have months to establish strong roots before spring growth begins, meaning better health, faster canopy development, and greater resilience through our Texas summers.
Visit Fannin Tree Farm in Frisco to explore our wide variety of trees in person, or schedule a consultation with our experts to find the best options for your property. From Live Oaks to Chinese Pistache, every tree we grow is cultivated for success in North Texas.
Contact us today or stop by our farm to get started. Let’s make this fall the season your landscape truly takes root.
