Spring flies by quickly, and you might not get around to planting all the trees on your list. If you’re wondering whether summer is still a good time to grow, the answer is yes—but it depends on the tree species and how they’re planted. Keep reading to discover the best trees to plant in summer.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Trees?
The best times to plant trees are spring and fall. Spring is ideal for deciduous trees and shrubs as they emerge from dormancy, just in time for the warmth and growth of the coming months.
Conversely, fall provides the perfect opportunity for most deciduous trees to establish a strong root system. With less energy spent on leaves, flowers, and fruit, the trees can focus on developing deep, resilient roots before winter sets in.
Can You Plant Trees in the Summer
You can plant trees in summer, but it takes extra effort. The best choices are container-grown trees, ball-and-burlapped trees, and recently dug-up evergreens. Since these trees already have strong root systems, they have a better chance of settling in before winter.
But summer’s heat and dry conditions make things tricky. Without enough rain, the tree relies on you to survive. You’ll need to keep the soil moist for months after planting to help it establish roots.
Watering a Summer-Planted Tree
Soak the planting hole before transplanting. Once the tree is in place, give the root ball a deep watering to help it settle.
But that’s just the beginning. Newly planted trees have no extended roots, so they can’t reach for water alone. The only moisture they’ll get is what you provide directly at the base. Check the soil every few days. If it’s dry, water it again. Keep the soil consistently moist to help the tree survive the summer and transition into the cooler, wetter months ahead.
Best Trees To Plant This Summer
Now that you know what to look for, let’s look into some of the best tree species for summer planting. These trees don’t just tolerate the heat; they thrive in it.
Crape Myrtle
The crape myrtle is a heat and drought-tolerant favorite. This tree offers year-round beauty with its showy flowers, striking fall foliage, and exfoliating bark in winter. It’s available in sizes ranging from compact shrubs to towering trees. It also comes in various colors, from white to deep red and purple. Whether you prefer a single or multi-trunk specimen, a crape myrtle suits every garden.
Oak Tree
Oak trees establish quickly and are incredibly hardy. Around 500 species worldwide can live for centuries. Some reach over 1,000 years, though most thrive for about 200. As the backbone of their ecosystems, they support more wildlife than any other tree.
Oak timber is among the hardest and most durable. It has been used in construction for thousands of years and is still valued today. Many cultures and organizations also see the oak as a symbol of strength and wisdom.
Tulip Poplar
The tulip tree, one of North America’s largest trees, belongs to the magnolia family and stands out with its tulip-shaped flowers. These showy, orange-yellow-green blooms appear in late spring after the leaves emerge, while upright cone-like seed clusters add interest. Its golden-yellow foliage makes it a stunning choice for large landscapes in fall.
Acacia
Acacias are also known as wattles. They thrive in the heat and offer ample shade. These exotic trees produce delicate blooms in spring and vibrant foliage in fall, adding beauty to any landscape.
Acacias come in a variety of foliage types. Some have true leaves divided into tiny leaflets called pinnae, while others feature leaf-like structures called phyllodes. Their foliage ranges from deep green to silver-grey, making them as diverse as they are resilient.
Southern Magnolia
Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a majestic broadleaf evergreen known for its glossy green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. It adapts well to various soils and has minimal pest issues. It typically reaches 60 to 80 feet tall and has a pyramidal to rounded crown.
Fig Trees
Fig trees thrive in hot climates and produce sweet fruit by late summer, making them perfect for home gardens. With the proper care, they stay healthy and yield a good crop.
Plant your fig tree in a warm, sunny spot—it loves the sun. Keep the soil moist, checking regularly in summer, while winter rain should be enough. Once the first fruit appears in spring, feed it weekly.
Fig trees take time to mature, so don’t expect fruit in the first year. But when they do, it’s worth the wait.
