SAN ANTONIO – The best time to plant trees in San Antonio is fall.

Meteorological autumn begins on September 1, while the autumnal equinox begins on September 21. It is recommended to plant trees more in the middle or late autumn, when temperatures have hopefully begun to cool.

Planting your trees in the fall instead of the spring allows them to establish roots throughout the winter, giving your trees six months to absorb moisture and nutrients before they are exposed to the heat of the San Antonio summer.

Here is a list of native trees you can plant in your garden this fall. All of these trees are heat, drought, frost and deer resistant:

Rainbow Gardens offers a wide variety of trees. Let’s start with smaller, aesthetically pleasing options:

• Mexican horse chestnut: Beautiful spring flowers, but the seeds can be poisonous to dogs. Grows 1.5 to 4.5 meters tall.

• Texas Mountain Laurel: Early spring blooms that smell like purple Kool-Aid. Grows 3 to 30 feet tall.

• Texas Judas Tree: My personal favorite: This medium-sized tree blooms beautifully in spring. It grows 3 to 6 meters tall.

• Acacia: Has drooping branches. Avoid planting in areas with standing water.

Larger trees:

• Elm-cedar: A “big boy,” a large tree that can grow 18 to 21 meters tall. Requires water to establish. Provides ample shade.

• Virginia Oak: A Texas favorite that can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home. Grows up to 50 feet tall. Be aware that it can spread a fungal disease called oak wilt. Learn more about prevention here.

• Anacua: Commonly seen along the River Walk and the Missions. Can look untidy due to the berries and is known for its peeling bark. Grows to 30 to 40 feet tall and provides plenty of shade.

Here’s how to plant them:

• Find a spot that gets full sun or partial shade. All of these trees thrive in both conditions.

• Make sure the location you choose provides enough space for roots and branches to grow.

• Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as your container. Mix the original soil with compost.

• Water frequently and thoroughly for the first two months. Flushing the roots with a watering hose for 20 to 30 minutes every other day will encourage growth during this time.

You can find more stories about “Gardening with KSAT” here