Tree Species Profiles

Bur Oak

When it comes to show-stopping trees, bur oaks are hard to beat. Members of the white oak section, these trees are known for their impressive size. Bur oaks can reach 80–90 feet tall with a canopy spanning about the same width, providing excellent screening and shade for multi-story homes. With a moderate growth rate and good ability to thrive in our alkaline soils, bur oaks are a great choice for Dallas homeowners. With proper care, these trees will reward you with decades of beauty and character. ## Pros - Tolerates more soil moisture than some other oak species - Moderate resistance to oak wilt (like all white oaks) ## Considerations - Large leaves & acorns may be a nuisance if planted in high-traffic areas - Can grow to 80–90 ft. tall with an equally wide canopy

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Cedar Elm

Cedar elms are tough, Texas-native shade trees that are a great fit for Dallas landscapes. They are known to grow to about 40–70 feet tall with a rounded, oval canopy about the same width. Its small, rough leaves turn golden in the fall, adding seasonal interest. Once established, they can handle the Texas heat, drought, and alkaline soils remarkably well. If you want a reliable, low-fuss shade tree for your yard, a cedar elm is a solid pick. This is a large tree; for best results, plant in full sun and give it room to mature. It establishes readily and adapts to parkways, front yards, and other urban sites, but plan on occasional pruning to raise low limbs for sidewalk/driveway clearance. ## Pros - Great shade and attractive fall color - Adaptable to urban settings (tolerates compacted soils and intermittent wet/dry cycles) ## Considerations - Deciduous—expect leaf drop (and small seed “samaras”) each fall - Needs room to grow and occasional pruning to raise low limbs - Like all elms, cedar elms are susceptible to [Dutch elm disease](https://samhilltreecare.com/resources/dutch-elm-disease).

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Chinkapin Oak

Chinkapin oaks are stately, native oak trees in the white-oak group. Their distinctive saw-toothed leaves, attractive light gray bark, and abundant shade make them a popular choice for North Texas landscapes. Mature trees typically reach 50–90 ft. tall with a 20–40 ft. rounded canopy. They grow moderately quickly, especially when young. Their fall color runs yellow-bronze and the acorns are especially prized by wildlife. They thrive in our region’s limestone-heavy, alkaline soils, and they tolerate drought well once established. Because they are white oaks, chinkapin oaks are comparatively less susceptible (though not immune) to oak wilt, which is a plus for long-term resilience. ## Pros - Chinkapin oaks grow quickly, especially when they are young. - Because it is a white oak, chinkapin oaks are generally less susceptible to oak wilt. - Its acorns are a valuable food source for wildlife. ## Considerations - Chinkapin oaks can grow to be quite large: 50–90 ft. tall and 20–40 ft. wide. When planting, select a location where it will get plenty of sun and lots of room to grow—preferably away from power lines and hardscape. - Acorn drop can be a nuisance near patios, pools, and walkways.

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Live Oak

Live oaks are a popular choice for Dallas landscapes, and for good reason. These trees hold onto their leaves throughout the winter months, providing year-round interest and beauty. Although they are technically deciduous and do shed their leaves in the spring, many people consider them evergreen because this transition takes place so gradually. Live oaks have a moderate growth rate and small acorns—about the size of a marble. In general, live oaks are shorter than other oak species, but they boast a wide canopy that provides excellent shade and screening for large properties. With proper pruning and care, they are strong, attractive trees that will last for generations. ## Pros - Shorter than other oak species, making them more resistant to wind storms - Moderate tolerance for root disturbances and construction ## Considerations - Can be sensitive to heavy ice storms due to their winter foliage

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Mexican Buckeye

The Mexican Buckeye is a deciduous ornamental tree that is native to Texas. It is relatively small, only reaching 8–12 ft. tall when mature. These trees often have multiple trunks and thus extend more horizontally than vertically. The branches are relatively thin and wiry. The leaves are formed of two to six leaflets. The purple-pink flowers emerge early in the spring and attract pollinators. The fruit is small and has a hard exterior. The Mexican Buckeye is very drought tolerant, and they do well in our chalky, limestone-rich soils. They grow best in full sun or partial shade. ## Pros - Very attractive year-round; vibrant pink flowers in the spring and yellow fall color - Larval host to some species of butterflies ## Considerations - May be hard to obtain; nurseries often have trouble sourcing stock

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Mexican Plum

The Mexican plum is a native species of plum that does exceptionally well in Texas. It is a small-to-medium sized ornamental tree: mature Mexican plums range from 10–35 ft. tall, but most are shorter than 25 ft. The bark is flaky and reddish-brown in color. The leaves have a leathery texture and cup downwards. The quarter-sized white flowers emerge early in the spring and attract many pollinators. Mexican plums are very drought tolerant, and they do well in sandy soil and limestone outcroppings. They are also flexible in sun or shade, growing healthily in full sun, partial shade, and deep shade. Overall, Mexican plums are hardy trees once they are established. ## Pros - Very beneficial tree for wildlife; provides lots of food for birds and pollinators - Fruit can be used to make jams and jellies ## Considerations - Fruit can make a mess on hard surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks

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Rusty Blackhaw

Rusty blackhaw is species of viburnum native to East and Central Texas. It is a small-to-medium sized trees: most are 20 ft. tall or less, but some may reach up to 35 ft. The leaves are glossy, dark green in color, and relatively small. Its white flowers and red & blue berry-like fruits add a vibrant pop of color to any landscape. The bark starts out ash gray and gradually turns a reddish-brown shade after about a year. As long as there is adequate drainage, rusty blackhaw can grow in most soil. It is also very drought tolerant. Overall, rusty blackhaw is a hardy native tree that's sure to give you years of beauty and enjoyment. ## Pros - Very beneficial tree for wildlife; provides lots of food for birds and pollinators - Between its flowers and fruit, it adds lots of color to any landscape ## Considerations - The wood produces an unpleasant odor when cut

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