The best time to plant a tree in Fort Worth was twenty years ago; the second-best time is this fall. But which tree, and where, decides whether you get a thriving shade canopy or a decade of disappointment. North Texas clay, alkaline soil, brutal summers, and the occasional ice storm are hard on the wrong species — and kind to the right ones. DFW Tree Guys plants trees that are built for this place.
We start with what you want the tree to do — shade the west windows, screen a neighbor, anchor the front yard, replace something a storm took — and match a species to the job and the soil: live oaks, red oaks, cedar elms, bur oaks, Mexican plums, desert willows, and other proven DFW performers. Then we plant it correctly: right depth, root flare exposed, proper backfill, mulched wide and watered in.
A tree planted well needs remarkably little rescuing later. That's the whole point — we set it up so the expensive problems never happen.
What's Included
- Species recommendations matched to DFW soil, heat, and your goals
- Site selection that accounts for lines, foundations, and mature size
- Proper-depth planting with the root flare where it belongs
- Staking only when the site truly demands it
- Wide mulch rings — never volcanoes against the trunk
- Watering and first-year care guidance for Texas summers
How It Works
- Talk goals and site. Shade, privacy, curb appeal, replacement — we match ambitions to the realities of your soil and space.
- Pick the species. Honest recommendations from trees with a proven DFW track record, sized to the spot at maturity.
- Plant it properly. Correct hole, correct depth, flare exposed, backfilled and mulched to standard.
- Set up year one. A simple watering plan that carries the tree through its first Texas summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to plant in North Texas?
Fall through early spring, hands down. Cool-season planting lets roots establish before the first 100-degree stretch arrives — spring plantings spend their first summer just trying to survive.
Which shade trees do best in Fort Worth?
Live oak, Shumard red oak, cedar elm, bur oak, and chinquapin oak are the reliable backbone. The right pick depends on your soil, space, and how fast you want shade — that's what the consultation sorts out.
How far from the house should a shade tree go?
For large species, roughly 15–20 feet or more, adjusted for the tree's mature spread and your foundation situation. We place trees for where they'll be in year 25, not year 2.
Why does planting depth matter so much?
Trees planted too deep — the most common planting mistake in DFW — suffocate slowly and decline for years before anyone connects the dots. Root flare at grade is the difference between thriving and merely surviving.
Can you replace a tree that a storm destroyed?
Yes, and we can often grind the old stump and plant the successor in a single visit. We'll recommend a species with better storm resistance for the spot.
What Our Customers Say
“These guys are amazing!!! Richard and Raul got rid of a couple stumps in our yard, they were also kind enough to help me clear out some debris from the garden beds that I am clearing out. Highly recommend!”
Lori M. · April 2026
“DFW Tree Guys provided excellent advice on how to maintain the health of my trees, and their pruning services have significantly improved the appearance of my yard. I appreciate their professionalism and will continue to rely on them for all my tree care needs.”
Val N. · May 2024
“We recently had Richard and his crew out for minor tree trimming. They did a fantastic job, they were quick and efficient! Best guys around!”
Taylor L. · July 2026
Serving both locations: White Settlement & West Fort Worth and Southlake & Northeast Tarrant County.