Tree Basics

Caring for and Maintaining Healthy Trees

Proper tree maintenance helps ensure strong growth, long life, and a healthy landscape. From pruning and watering to monitoring for pests and disease, consistent care is essential for trees to thrive—especially in North Texas conditions. Learn the key practices that support tree health and help your trees remain safe, beautiful, and resilient throughout the seasons.

Tree Care Essentials

Tree Basics

Here is a short list of steps to maintain a tree from planting through the first two years.

Tips When Purchasing a Tree

Native trees are preferred because their deep roots can access groundwater during dry spells and they are better anchored against North Texas winds. The Texas Tree Selector Tool lets you select Tarrant County to determine what trees grow best here.
Learn more about how to select a tree at a nursery.

Planting Your Tree

Planting and establishing trees is about managing air and moisture in the soil. Manage these correctly and trees will grow quickly following planting.
Three of the most common causes of poor tree establishment or death are planting too deep, improper watering, and girdling roots.
Click here to Learn How to Plant Your Tree Properly.

Watering Your Tree

Water your tree around the drip line of the tree and outward.
Tree roots typically extend two to three times the canopy width.
The area outside the canopy's edge is the ideal watering zone.
Provide additional water during a drought.
- Click here to see more on watering trees.
- Click here on how to water newly planted trees.

Importance of Mulch

Proper mulching is critical for tree health.
Use 3 inches of shredded hardwood.
Mulch should extend out to the dripline if possible.
Leave a gap of 6 to 12 inches from the trunk; do not mulch directly against the trunk.
Avoid Volcano mulching. This is a good way to slowly kill a tree.
Avoid Inorganic mulches.