How do you keep trees alive in the Texas heat? Start by planting the right varieties

Brayden Garcia
Yffy Yossifor/Yffy Yossifor

Tree maintenance is important year-round, as the seasons and weather changes, especially during Texas summer’s when temperatures soar to oppressive levels.

Fort Worth recorded its hottest day of the year Monday at 109 degrees, followed the next day with the same triple-digit temperature. The forecast for the rest of the week is for relatively cooler days.

Keeping trees alive during a heat wave has its benefits. For one, it is a good source of oxygen. Second, it does provide shade from the unrelenting sun. Here’s how to keep them healthy this summer:

How can I keep my trees alive this summer?

The answer might be simple, but it’s unequivocally important.

Water, more water and a little more water, said Bud Jackson, a service manager at Trinity Forrest Tree Care Service in Fort Worth.

Trees need more water than grass to take care of, but the extra H2O is important to the plant’s survival, Jackson said. It might be hard to keep up with watering during the summer months if watering restrictions are put in place.

However, the city of Fort Worth has not issued any water conservation efforts to residents a this time. Residents have two days during the week to water their greenery, the days vary depending on where you live.

How do I know when my tree needs water?

When tree leaves start to look droopy or “sad,” it’s time to water, Jackson said.

Another easy way to see if the tree needs a drink is by looking at the soil around its base. If the soil is dry and the ground is breaking apart, it’s time to turn the hose own and give the tree a good watering.

If the ground is still wet, however, hold off on watering for now. It can take up to two days for trees to fully absorb the water into its entire base, Jackson said.

What trees grow well in North Texas?

Trees come in all shapes and sizes, but knowing which ones can withstand the Texas heat is essential.

Here’s a list of trees that grow well in North Texas, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension:

Small trees:

  • Goldenball Leadtree

  • Western Soapberry

  • Chaste Tree

  • Yucca

  • Staghorn Sumac

Medium-sized trees:

  • Pinyon Pine

  • Slash Pine

  • Honey Mesquite

  • Ash Juniper

  • Southern Magnolia

Large trees:

  • Aleppo Pine

  • Chinkapin Oak

  • Chinese Pistachio

  • Post Oak

  • Cork Oak

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