Trees for Sale in Houston TX
Houston's Trusted Tree Nursery Since 1973
Houston homeowners, landscapers, and property managers have relied on Bill Bownds Nursery for quality landscape trees for over 50 years. Located at 2110 Cedar Lane, Katy, TX 77494 — just 30 minutes west of downtown Houston via I-10 — we are close enough for convenient visits yet far enough from the city to grow trees on real acreage in real Texas soil.
Every tree in our inventory is container-grown at our Katy nursery in the same heavy clay and subtropical climate found throughout the Greater Houston area. When you plant one of our trees in your Houston yard, it does not need to adjust to a new climate — it is already acclimated. This leads to faster establishment, less transplant stress, and higher long-term survival rates compared to trees shipped in from out of state.
Understanding Houston's Soil and Climate
Houston spans a vast metropolitan area with soil conditions that vary from the black gumbo clay of the inner loop to the sandy loams of the north side and the heavy Beaumont clay of the western suburbs. Most of Greater Houston sits on some form of clay soil, and all areas share the same humid subtropical climate with these characteristics:
- USDA Zone 9a: Winter lows typically range from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, with occasional hard freezes
- Long growing season: March through November provides nearly nine months of active tree growth
- Hot, humid summers: Regular temperatures above 95 degrees with high humidity
- Heavy rainfall: Annual average of 50 inches, often concentrated in spring and fall storm events
- Hurricane exposure: Wind-resistant tree species are essential for Houston landscapes
These conditions demand trees that can handle both extreme heat and periodic waterlogging — exactly the species Bill Bownds Nursery specializes in growing.
Best Trees for Houston Properties
Live Oaks — The Houston Icon
No tree defines Houston more than the Live Oak. These majestic semi-evergreen trees provide the widest canopy spread of any species in our inventory, making them the top choice for shade in Houston's punishing summers. Live Oaks are extremely wind-resistant — a critical advantage in a hurricane-prone city. They handle clay soil, drought, and periodic flooding with equal ease. Every Houston property with the space for a Live Oak should have one.
Eagleston Holly — Year-Round Privacy
Houston's relatively mild winters allow Eagleston Holly to maintain dense, green foliage 365 days a year. This makes it the preferred screening tree for property lines, pool areas, and noise reduction. The tree's moderate growth rate means it fills in faster than most evergreen alternatives, and its tolerance for clay soil and partial shade make it adaptable to a wide range of Houston planting conditions.
Crape Myrtles — Summer Color
Houston's intense summer heat is exactly what Crape Myrtles need to produce their spectacular blooms. From Memorial Day through September, these trees produce clusters of flowers in vibrant pinks, reds, whites, and purples. Multiple cultivars are available, from compact trees suitable for town home courtyards to 30-foot Natchez specimens for boulevard plantings. Crape Myrtles are drought-tolerant once established and thrive in Houston clay.
Southern Magnolias — Fragrant Elegance
The Southern Magnolia is a Houston classic — glossy evergreen leaves, enormous fragrant white flowers, and a stately pyramidal form. Standard Magnolias grow 60 to 80 feet tall and work best on larger properties. Little Gem Magnolias top out at 20 to 25 feet, making them a better fit for the smaller lots found in many Houston neighborhoods. Both types perform well in Houston clay with proper planting techniques.
Shumard Red Oaks — Fall Color for Houston
Houston does get fall color — if you plant the right trees. Shumard Red Oaks produce stunning red and orange foliage in November and December, a welcome contrast to Houston's predominantly evergreen landscape. Native to East Texas bottomlands, they handle clay soil and occasional flooding without complaint. Fast-growing and strong-wooded, Shumard Red Oaks are an excellent large shade tree for Houston properties.
Pecan Trees — Shade and Harvest
Pecan trees are native to the Houston area and grow vigorously in our soil and climate. They provide excellent shade and produce an annual nut harvest that grows more abundant each year. Improved cultivars like Desirable and Pawnee produce large, thin-shelled nuts, while native seedling Pecans offer reliable shade at a lower price point. A Pecan tree is a multi-generational investment that only gets better with time.
Driving Directions from Houston to Bill Bownds Nursery
Our nursery is a quick drive from most Houston-area neighborhoods:
- From Downtown Houston / Inner Loop: Take I-10 West approximately 25 miles. Exit at FM 1463 (Pin Oak Road), head south, and turn left on Cedar Lane.
- From Memorial / Energy Corridor: Take I-10 West past Highway 99 (Grand Parkway). Exit at FM 1463, head south to Cedar Lane.
- From Sugar Land: Take Highway 99 (Grand Parkway) north to I-10 West, or take FM 1093 west directly to FM 1463.
- From The Woodlands / Cypress: Take Highway 290 to Highway 99 South, then west on I-10 to FM 1463.
Visit our Directions page for a map, or call (281) 277-2033 to schedule your visit.
Delivery Throughout Greater Houston
Bill Bownds Nursery delivers and installs trees throughout the entire Greater Houston metropolitan area, including the Inner Loop, Memorial, Heights, River Oaks, Bellaire, West University, Meyerland, Pearland, League City, Clear Lake, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring, and all communities in between. Delivery fees are based on distance and order size. Our installation crew plants each tree at the correct depth for your soil conditions and provides species-specific care instructions. All installed trees include our one-year health guarantee.
Why Houston Homeowners Drive to Bill Bownds Nursery
- 50+ years: Growing trees in Houston-area soil since 1973
- Locally grown: Every tree acclimated to Houston's climate before you buy it
- Expert guidance: Our team knows which trees perform best in every Houston soil type
- Full selection: 15-gallon to 95-gallon containers across all major species
- Complete service: From tree selection to delivery, installation, and aftercare
Browse our full tree inventory, get planting tips from our blog, or call (281) 277-2033 today.
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