Fall through winter is the preferred time for planting trees. Growers are digging trees throughout the season since cool weather reduces tree stress. Trees planted during cool weather have more opportunity to develop healthy root systems.

With so many different trees to choose from, it can be hard to decide which tree would work best for you. First, decide where you would like to plant a tree, and then determine if you want it for shade, accent or flowering. If you are looking to shade an area, it is a good idea to plant several trees near each other (if you have room). If you have a limited area, just plant one. Some good shade tree choices are Willow Oak, Nuttall Oak, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Bosque Elm and Zelkova. Most shade trees have great fall leaf color.

Accent trees add great interest to your landscape by bringing attention to a particular area. There are several great accent trees to choose from. The Japanese maple has several varieties from which to choose. They have different leaf colors and textures, different growth habits to fit almost any landscape situation, and several bark colors for winter interest. Also consider River Birch, which has peeling bark that looks great all year round. Trident Maples have smaller leaves than the regular maples, a lower growth habit and interesting fall color. Another good choice is a Weeping Willow that has a graceful weeping branch configuration. Golden Corkscrew Willows will add great interest with golden curly branches that have an upright growth habit. For areas that have very little room try a European Hornbean or Armstrong Maple. They both have a tight upright growth habit and stay narrow instead of spreading as they grow.

Flowering trees are very popular. They add great impact in landscaping. There are many varieties to choose from including Dogwoods, with red, pink or white blooms, Red Buds with green or red leaves, Crape Myrtle with many bloom colors to choose from, Vitex with spike-like blooms, Magnolias with pink to white blooms, Cherry trees with shades of pink and white blooms and Golden Raintree with yellow blooms that flow over the leaves like rain.

Happy gardening.