What should be planted for the Fall?

[smyers]

I just bought a new home and the yard is very limited to what is in it. I would like to start working on getting something planted for the Fall or early Spring. I don't know when a good time to plant trees and shrubs or what will survive the winter. Any help would be great. :oops:

[Tony M]

First things first, make sure you prepare the shrub beds properly. Info on soil prep can be found on this site. Do a landscape plan. There is some cheap software out there or you can do what many of us do, get some graft paper and a tape measure. Go to the Nurseries that support the natural way (directory also on this site) and show them your blank plan of the shrub beds and tree locations. They will help you get the right size plant, with the correct sun exposure for your yard. This is a great time to plant trees and shrubs and most of the nurseries will talk to you about a discount this time of the year. Try to stick with natives, they have lived here for thousands of years and don't need much water or care. There is also a free CD available, called Texas Smart Scape. Let me know if you can't find one, I have a few extras.
Tony M