Best Shrubs and Trees to Plant in Lubbock This Spring

What to Consider When Choosing Plants for Lubbock

Lubbock sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7, which means plants must endure a mix of mild winters, occasional freezes, and long, hot summers. Here are a few local planting conditions to keep in mind:

• Drought Tolerance: Water conservation is a major concern in our region, so low-water plants are not just smart—they’re necessary.
• Soil Type: Much of Lubbock has clay-heavy or caliche-based soil that can restrict drainage. We always recommend soil conditioning before planting.
• Wind Resistance: Those West Texas winds can wreak havoc on shallow-rooted or fragile plants.
• Native and Adaptive Plants: Trees and shrubs that are native to Texas or adapted to dry climates perform best and require the least maintenance.

Many customers ask, “What are the easiest plants to care for in this area?” or “Can I have a beautiful yard without a high water bill?” The answer is yes—and it starts with choosing the right plants from the start. Mission Service Companies can help you assess your yard, choose the right locations for new plants, and install them with long-term success in mind.

Top 5 Shrubs for Spring Planting in Lubbock

Here are our top picks for hardy, beautiful shrubs that do exceptionally well in Lubbock’s spring planting season:

1. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)

• Why it works: This iconic Southwest shrub is drought-resistant, wind-tolerant, and explodes in purple blooms after rain. It’s also evergreen, meaning your landscape stays lush year-round.
• Ideal for: Privacy screens, borders, or accents.
• Pro Tip: Pair Texas Sage with gravel mulch for a stunning xeriscape look.

2. Dwarf Yaupon Holly

• Why it works: This compact evergreen shrub is easy to maintain, cold-hardy, and perfect for formal landscapes.
• Ideal for: Foundation plantings, hedges, or borders.
• Common question: Is this safe around pets? Yes—Yaupon is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly homes.

3. Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)

• Why it works: A magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, Autumn Sage blooms in red, pink, or purple and thrives in dry conditions.
• Ideal for: Flower beds, pollinator gardens, or colorful low borders.

4. Indian Hawthorn

• Why it works: This evergreen shrub delivers spring flowers and year-round structure, with minimal upkeep.
• Ideal for: Accent planting, entryways, or pairing with other evergreens.
• Care tip: Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot.

5. Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo)

• Why it works: Loved for its year-round foliage color, Nandina brings red, green, and orange tones even in winter.
• Ideal for: Shaded areas, color interest, or container gardens.

4. Top 5 Trees for Spring Planting in Lubbock

Spring is also the best time to add shade, structure, and seasonal color to your yard with hardy, beautiful trees. Here are our top 5 picks for trees that thrive in Lubbock’s climate:

1. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

• Why it works: This native Texas tree is a spring and summer bloomer with orchid-like flowers. It’s highly drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun with minimal water.
• Ideal for: Accent planting, xeriscape designs, or small yards.
• Customer favorite: Many homeowners ask us for “something beautiful that doesn’t need much water”—Desert Willow is our go-to.

2. Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi)

• Why it works: Provides great fall color, tolerates clay soils, and grows well in Lubbock’s sun and wind.
• Ideal for: Shade trees, long-term value landscaping.
• Pro insight: It’s a moderate grower, but the payoff in shade and beauty is worth the wait.

3. Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia)

• Why it works: Native to Texas, Cedar Elm is adaptable, drought-tolerant, and perfect for urban landscapes.
• Ideal for: Windbreaks, shade, and low-maintenance greenery.
• Common question: Will it drop a lot of leaves? Yes, but it’s worth it for its resilience and shade benefits.

4. Vitex (Chaste Tree)

• Why it works: Fast-growing with striking purple blooms, Vitex adds vibrant color and attracts pollinators.
• Ideal for: Ornamental use in front yards or around patios.
• Tip: Prune in late winter for maximum blooms in spring.

5. Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana)

• Why it works: This small tree bursts into fragrant white blooms in early spring, then provides edible fruit and fall foliage.
• Ideal for: Small landscapes, cottage-style gardens, or focal points.
• Bonus: Loved by pollinators and birds alike.

With Mission Service Companies, you get expert tree placement advice and professional planting services that ensure your investment thrives. We’ll even help you select the right mix of trees to balance shade, aesthetics, and functionality on your property.

How to Prepare Your Yard for Spring Planting

Before you start planting, preparing the soil and site correctly is key to long-term success. Here’s how we recommend getting ready—or better yet, let us do it for you:

• Soil Testing and Amendments: Knowing your soil’s pH and nutrient content helps determine if compost or conditioners are needed.
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature—critical in West Texas.
• Efficient Watering Systems: We can help install or adjust sprinkler systems to support your new plants without wasting water.
• Proper Planting Techniques: Root ball positioning, hole depth, and backfill methods all impact plant success.

Many homeowners ask, “Why don’t my trees survive the first year?” It’s usually due to poor planting technique or watering. Our professional turf and planting services remove the guesswork.

Landscape Design Tips Using These Trees and Shrubs

Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to your current landscape, here’s how to put it all together:

• Layered Planting: Place taller trees in the background, medium shrubs in the mid-ground, and low-growing plants in front.
• Seasonal Interest: Combine evergreens like Yaupon Holly with bloomers like Autumn Sage and Vitex for year-round beauty.
• Shade and Function: Use Texas Red Oak or Cedar Elm on the west side of your home to reduce summer heat.
• Pollinator Zones: Group Mexican Plum, Autumn Sage, and Vitex to create an oasis for bees and butterflies.

At Mission Service Companies, we offer full landscape design services tailored to your yard’s conditions and your personal style.

Where to Buy Shrubs and Trees in Lubbock

We recommend choosing local nurseries that grow or source plants acclimated to the South Plains:

• Tom’s Tree Place
• Little Red Nursery
• Green Thumb Nursery

Better yet, skip the shopping and let Mission Service Companies do it for you. We select premium-quality plants, handle the delivery and planting, and even provide maintenance guidance to keep your landscape thriving.

– Planting the right trees and shrubs this spring can elevate your outdoor space while saving time, water, and money in the long run. Whether you want to improve curb appeal, add shade, or create a colorful, low-maintenance yard, now is the perfect time to act.

Let Mission Service Companies turn your landscape vision into reality. Our team offers professional landscape design, planting, irrigation setup, lawn care, and seasonal services to help you create and maintain the perfect yard—all tailored for Lubbock’s unique environment.

👉 Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s plant something beautiful this spring.