Fall is for Planting…Trees!
Manicured holly trees bring structure to the garden
If you’ve been waiting for a good time to add something new to your garden, this is it! Fall is the season for planting in Houston. The weather is cooler, the soil is still warm, and the rain (if we’re lucky) helps new plants settle in before next summer’s heat rolls around. Now’s the time to get those woody vines, shrubs, and trees in the ground so they can build strong roots through the winter.
Wonderful Woody Vines
If you’ve got a fence or trellis begging for something green, there are plenty of great vine choices that handle both sun and shade.
Carolina Jessamine is a Gulf Coast classic. It’s evergreen, easygoing, and absolutely glows with yellow trumpet flowers in early spring.
Coral Honeysuckle is another favorite—native, pollinator-friendly, and tolerant of our heat and humidity.
Star Jasmine wins on looks and scent. It’s glossy, evergreen, and fills the air with a sweet fragrance when it blooms.
When planting vines, mix a little compost into your soil, water deeply, and make sure they have something to climb on—a sturdy trellis, arbor, or fence works perfectly. A little training early on will help them grow in the right direction, and once they take off, you’ll just need the occasional trim to keep them tidy.
Sturdy and Stylish Shrubs
Shrubs are the backbone of a well-designed garden. They fill in empty spaces, provide year-round greenery, and help define the shape of your landscape. Some of our favorite Houston-friendly shrubs that thrive in both sun and part shade include:
Southern Wax Myrtle – a native evergreen that smells wonderful and provides berries for birds.
Yaupon Holly – especially the narrow ‘Scarlet’s Peak’ variety, which gives you beautiful red berries and an elegant shape.
Boxwood (‘Baby Gem’ or ‘Baby Jade’) – classic, compact, and dependable, perfect for borders or small hedges.
When planting shrubs, dig a wide hole, amend the soil with compost, and water thoroughly. Add a layer of mulch to help keep the soil cool and moist—but don’t pile it right up against the trunk. Most shrubs won’t need staking; just let them root in and grow naturally.
Trees to Grow With
Nothing transforms a yard quite like a tree. Fall is the perfect time to plant them since cooler weather gives their roots a chance to establish before next summer.
Live Oaks are timeless—strong, graceful, and perfect for creating shade.
Nuttall Oaks are fast-growing and handle our heavy clay soils like champs.
Eastern Redbuds add a pop of color in early spring with their stunning pink blossoms and do well in partial shade.
When planting trees, dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the root ball but not any deeper. The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the ground. Water deeply and mulch around the base to keep moisture in. In windy spots, staking might help young trees stay upright their first year—but remember to remove the stakes once they’re stable.
A Few Extra Tips
Water deeply, not just on the surface—strong roots grow downward.
Two to three inches of mulch will help moderate soil temperature and keep weeds at bay.
If you’re planting vines, plan ahead for how they’ll climb—they can get heavy once mature!
Give shrubs and trees space to grow to their full size; it saves time and effort later.
Planting in fall really sets your garden up for success. You’ll spend less time fighting the heat, and your plants will thank you with strong growth come spring. So grab your shovel, pick your favorites, and get planting—your future garden will be beautiful, shaded, and full of life before you know it.